CVE-2008-0072 in Evolution
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the emf_multipart_encrypted function in mail/em-format.c in Evolution 2.12.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted encrypted message, as demonstrated using the Version field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0072 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the Evolution email client software version 2.12.3 and earlier. This flaw exists in the emf_multipart_encrypted function located in the mail/em-format.c file, which processes encrypted email messages. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application handles crafted encrypted messages that contain maliciously formatted data in the Version field, creating a pathway for remote code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-134, which describes format string vulnerabilities where attacker-controlled data is used as a format string parameter without proper validation or sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Evolution processes an encrypted email message containing a specially crafted Version field that contains format specifiers such as %s, %x, or %n. These specifiers, when improperly handled, can cause the application to read from or write to memory locations controlled by the attacker, leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute malicious code on systems running vulnerable versions of Evolution without requiring authentication or user interaction beyond receiving the malicious email. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain remote access through network-based attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable full system compromise when attackers leverage this flaw in targeted campaigns. An attacker could potentially inject malicious code that would execute with the privileges of the Evolution process, which typically runs with the user's privileges. This could lead to data theft, system reconnaissance, or the establishment of persistent access points. The vulnerability affects the core email processing functionality of Evolution, making it particularly concerning for organizations that rely on this email client for business communications. The risk is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability can be exploited through standard email reception, requiring no special conditions or user interaction beyond normal email processing.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Evolution version 2.14.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. System administrators should also consider implementing email filtering rules that can detect and block malformed encrypted messages, particularly those with suspicious Version field content. The patch for this vulnerability typically involves proper validation and sanitization of user-supplied format strings before they are processed, ensuring that attacker-controlled data cannot be used to manipulate the printf family of functions. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts through anomalous email traffic patterns. The remediation process should also include user education regarding the risks of opening untrusted encrypted emails and implementing proper email security policies that limit the exposure of vulnerable systems to potentially malicious content.