CVE-2008-3163 in Dodos Mail
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in dodosmail.php in DodosMail 2.5 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the dodosmail_header_file parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2025
The CVE-2008-3163 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in DodosMail 2.5's dodosmail.php script that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary local file inclusion attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the dodosmail_header_file parameter, which processes user-supplied input without adequate validation or sanitization. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate the parameter value by inserting .. (dot dot) sequences that traverse the directory structure and access files outside the intended scope. The vulnerability stems from improper input handling where the application directly incorporates user-provided file paths into its file inclusion mechanisms without sufficient security controls. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The issue is particularly dangerous because it can potentially allow attackers to access sensitive system files, configuration data, or even execute malicious code on the affected server. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication, making it highly exploitable in environments where the vulnerable application is accessible over the network. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and secure coding practices in the application's file handling routines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors or when the target server has sufficient privileges to execute code. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to include system files such as /etc/passwd, /etc/shadow, or application configuration files that may contain sensitive credentials or system information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows for arbitrary code execution through file inclusion, which can enable attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware. In the context of the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables execution of arbitrary commands through the inclusion of local files. The vulnerability also aligns with T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments and T1566.002 for spearphishing with malicious links, as attackers can craft malicious requests that exploit this weakness. The attack scenario typically involves sending a crafted HTTP request with a malicious dodosmail_header_file parameter value that includes directory traversal sequences, potentially leading to unauthorized access to critical system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3163 must focus on implementing robust input validation and secure file handling practices that prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should immediately patch or upgrade to a version of DodosMail that addresses this vulnerability, as the original software appears to be outdated and unsupported. The recommended approach involves implementing absolute path restrictions that prevent user input from containing directory traversal sequences, using allowlists of permitted files instead of dynamic file inclusion, and employing proper input sanitization techniques. Security controls should include validating all user-supplied input against a strict whitelist of acceptable values, implementing proper access controls to limit file system access, and using secure coding practices that avoid direct file inclusion based on user input. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns in HTTP requests. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding guidelines and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in legacy applications. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts and implement proper logging and alerting mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review to identify other potential directory traversal vulnerabilities within the application, as well as ensuring that all file handling operations follow secure coding practices that prevent similar issues from occurring in other parts of the software.