CVE-2008-6840 in V-webmail
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in V-webmail 1.6.4 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) CONFIG[pear_dir] parameter to (a) Mail/RFC822.php, (b) Net/Socket.php, (c) XML/Parser.php, (d) XML/Tree.php, (e) Mail/mimeDecode.php, (f) Console/Getopt.php, (g) System.php, (h) Log.php, and (i) File.php in includes/pear/; the CONFIG[pear_dir] parameter to (j) includes/prepend.php, and (k) includes/cachedConfig.php; and the (2) CONFIG[includes] parameter to (l) prepend.php and (m) email.list.search.php in includes/. NOTE: the CONFIG[pear_dir] parameter to includes/mailaccess/pop3.php is already covered by CVE-2006-2666.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-6840 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting V-webmail version 1.6.4, specifically targeting PHP applications that utilize the PEAR library components. This vulnerability operates through multiple attack vectors within the application's configuration handling mechanisms, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters that are directly used in file inclusion operations, allowing malicious actors to inject URLs that point to remote malicious code repositories.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves several specific file paths within the V-webmail application where the CONFIG[pear_dir] parameter is improperly validated and processed. These include Mail/RFC822.php, Net/Socket.php, XML/Parser.php, XML/Tree.php, Mail/mimeDecode.php, Console/Getopt.php, System.php, Log.php, and File.php located in the includes/pear/ directory. Additionally, the vulnerability extends to includes/prepend.php and includes/cachedConfig.php files where the same insecure parameter handling occurs, as well as to the CONFIG[includes] parameter in prepend.php and email.list.search.php within the includes/ directory. The attack mechanism relies on the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in include or require statements, which directly enables path traversal and remote code execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete remote code execution privileges on the affected system. Once exploited, attackers can upload and execute malicious code, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or unauthorized access to sensitive email communications. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of V-webmail by allowing attackers to manipulate the application's include path resolution mechanism, effectively bypassing normal access controls and security boundaries. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these vulnerabilities affect multiple core PEAR library components, meaning that exploitation can occur through various application entry points.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical expertise and can be accomplished through simple HTTP requests that manipulate the affected parameters, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, conduct data exfiltration, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple files within the application's architecture suggests a systemic design flaw in the parameter validation and input sanitization processes. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability represents a classic example of a remote code execution flaw that can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, specifically targeting PHP-based web applications. The remediation strategy involves implementing proper input validation, parameter sanitization, and avoiding dynamic include operations with user-supplied data, while also ensuring that the application runs with minimal privileges to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.