CVE-2009-3236 in Groupware
Summary
by MITRE
The form library in Horde Application Framework 3.2 before 3.2.5 and 3.3 before 3.3.5; Groupware 1.1 before 1.1.6 and 1.2 before 1.2.4; and Groupware Webmail Edition 1.1 before 1.1.6 and 1.2 before 1.2.4; reuses temporary filenames during the upload process which allows remote attackers, with privileges to write to the address book, to overwrite arbitrary files and execute PHP code via crafted Horde_Form_Type_image form field elements.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-3236 represents a critical file overwrite issue within the Horde Application Framework and its associated Groupware products. This flaw exists in versions prior to the specified patches across multiple product lines including Horde 3.2.x before 3.2.5, Horde 3.3.x before 3.3.5, Groupware 1.1.x before 1.1.6, Groupware 1.2.x before 1.2.4, and Groupware Webmail Edition 1.1.x before 1.1.6. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of temporary filenames during file upload operations within the form processing library.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the reuse of temporary filenames during the upload process, creating a race condition scenario where an attacker can manipulate the file system operations. When a user with address book write privileges submits crafted form field elements of type Horde_Form_Type_image, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize temporary file names. This allows an attacker to predict or reuse temporary filenames and subsequently overwrite arbitrary files on the server. The specific attack vector leverages the form library's inability to properly isolate temporary file operations, enabling attackers to place malicious PHP code in locations where it will be executed by the web server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote code execution on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise. An attacker with minimal privileges to write to the address book can escalate their access and gain full control over the affected web application. This represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that can be exploited from the network without requiring authentication to the system. The attack can be executed through web-based interfaces, making it particularly dangerous as it can be launched from any location with network access to the affected service. The vulnerability affects organizations using the Horde framework for email, calendar, and contact management services, potentially exposing sensitive data and allowing attackers to establish persistent access to the affected infrastructure.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-362, which describes a race condition error in the context of temporary file handling, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The issue demonstrates poor input validation and improper file handling practices that violate secure coding principles. Organizations should immediately apply the patches released by Horde and Groupware vendors to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper temporary file management practices, including unique filename generation, proper file permissions, and input validation for form elements, would mitigate similar risks. Network segmentation and monitoring of file upload operations can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper temporary file handling in web applications and serves as a reminder of the critical nature of file system security in enterprise applications.