CVE-2006-0188 in SquirrelMail
Summary
by MITRE
webmail.php in SquirrelMail 1.4.0 to 1.4.5 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web pages into the right frame via a URL in the right_frame parameter. NOTE: this has been called a cross-site scripting (XSS) issue, but it is different than what is normally identified as XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0188 affects SquirrelMail versions 1.4.0 through 1.4.5 and represents a significant security flaw in the webmail.php component that enables remote attackers to inject malicious content into the application's interface. This issue specifically targets the right frame parameter handling within the webmail application, creating a vector for arbitrary web page injection that could compromise user sessions and data integrity. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's parameter processing logic, allowing attackers to manipulate the right_frame parameter to execute malicious code within the context of the victim's browser.
This security flaw operates by exploiting the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input in the right_frame parameter, which is used to determine content displayed in the right frame of the webmail interface. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing crafted content in the right_frame parameter, the application processes this input without adequate security checks, resulting in the injection of arbitrary web pages or scripts into the user's browser session. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics that differ from conventional cross-site scripting attacks, as it specifically leverages frame injection mechanisms rather than traditional script execution vectors, making it particularly dangerous in webmail environments where users frequently interact with potentially malicious content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it can enable attackers to create persistent malicious web pages that appear legitimate within the trusted SquirrelMail interface. This creates a sophisticated attack vector where users may unknowingly interact with malicious content while performing routine email operations, potentially leading to credential theft, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of the compromised session. The vulnerability affects all users of the affected SquirrelMail versions and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where webmail applications are commonly used. The attack can be executed through various means including phishing emails, compromised websites, or social engineering tactics that direct users to malicious URLs containing the crafted right_frame parameter.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in frame or content injection contexts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which addresses cross-site scripting flaws, though the specific implementation differs from typical XSS vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies, web application firewalls, and regular security audits to prevent similar injection vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a web application attack vector under the T1190 technique for exploitation of web applications, emphasizing the need for proper input validation and the implementation of security controls that prevent unauthorized content injection into web interfaces. Additionally, upgrading to patched versions of SquirrelMail or implementing proper parameter validation measures should be prioritized to eliminate this attack vector and protect against potential exploitation by threat actors.