CVE-2008-3663 in Squirrelmail
Summary
by MITRE
Squirrelmail 1.4.15 does not set the secure flag for the session cookie in an https session, which can cause the cookie to be sent in http requests and make it easier for remote attackers to capture this cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3663 affects Squirrelmail version 1.4.15 and represents a critical security flaw in cookie handling practices. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly configure session cookies when operating over secure HTTPS connections, creating a significant attack vector for malicious actors. The vulnerability directly impacts the integrity of session management within the webmail application, potentially allowing unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive email data.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper configuration of HTTP cookies where Squirrelmail fails to set the secure flag on session cookies during HTTPS sessions. This omission means that even when users connect through encrypted channels, the session cookie remains vulnerable to interception and exploitation. The secure flag is a critical HTTP cookie attribute that ensures cookies are only transmitted over secure HTTPS connections and never over unencrypted HTTP connections. Without this flag, the session cookie becomes susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks, session hijacking attempts, and cross-site request forgery exploits that can compromise user authentication state.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session theft, as it creates an environment where attackers can easily capture session cookies through various means including network sniffing, compromised network infrastructure, or even client-side attacks. When an attacker successfully intercepts a session cookie, they gain unauthorized access to the victim's email account, potentially leading to data theft, unauthorized communications, and further exploitation within the compromised email environment. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on Squirrelmail for email services and may have users accessing the system from public or untrusted networks where network traffic interception is more likely.
The security implications align with CWE-614, which addresses insecure cookies, and represents a specific instance of weak session management practices that violate fundamental web security principles. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential access through phishing and social engineering, as attackers can more easily exploit the weakened session security to gain unauthorized access. Organizations using Squirrelmail should immediately implement mitigations including manual cookie configuration updates, network segmentation, and enhanced monitoring for suspicious authentication patterns. The recommended solution involves ensuring that all session cookies are properly configured with the secure flag, and organizations should consider upgrading to newer versions of Squirrelmail or implementing additional network security controls to protect against this specific threat vector.