CVE-2007-5627 in SocketMail
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in content/fnc-readmail3.php in SocketMail 2.2.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the __SOCKETMAIL_ROOT parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5627 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the SocketMail 2.2.8 web application that exposes organizations to arbitrary code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the content/fnc-readmail3.php script which fails to properly validate input parameters before incorporating user-supplied data into file inclusion operations. The flaw manifests when the __SOCKETMAIL_ROOT parameter receives a URL value that points to external resources, enabling attackers to inject malicious PHP code that gets executed on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-829, which addresses insecure inclusion of dynamic code. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when passed through the vulnerable __SOCKETMAIL_ROOT parameter, cause the PHP application to include and execute remote files containing malicious payloads. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to sanitize or validate user input before using it in include or require statements, creating an environment where attacker-controlled content can be seamlessly integrated into the application's execution flow. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be leveraged to bypass traditional security controls, as it exploits the legitimate functionality of PHP's file inclusion mechanisms rather than attempting to exploit system-level vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5627 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to compromised systems and the ability to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server for further attacks. Organizations running SocketMail 2.2.8 are particularly vulnerable because the flaw allows for complete system compromise without requiring authentication or specialized knowledge of the target environment. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly, enabling attackers to maintain long-term access to affected systems while potentially using the compromised servers for malicious activities such as spam distribution, data theft, or as launch points for attacks on other network segments. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of remote access tools and backdoors for maintaining persistent access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of SocketMail or applying the relevant security patches that properly validate and sanitize all user input before it is used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should also implement input validation controls that prevent URL schemes from being accepted in parameters that are used for file inclusion, effectively blocking the exploitation vector. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious inclusion patterns, applying principle of least privilege configurations to limit the damage that could result from successful exploitation, and conducting regular security assessments to identify other potential injection vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the dangers of allowing user-supplied data to influence application behavior without adequate sanitization.