CVE-2010-4554 in SquirrelMail
Summary
by MITRE
functions/page_header.php in SquirrelMail 1.4.21 and earlier does not prevent page rendering inside a frame in a third-party HTML document, which makes it easier for remote attackers to conduct clickjacking attacks via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4554 resides within the SquirrelMail webmail application version 1.4.21 and earlier, specifically in the functions/page_header.php component. This flaw represents a significant security weakness that directly impacts the application's ability to prevent its content from being embedded within frames of third-party websites. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper frame-busting mechanisms or iframe security controls within the page header functionality, which is fundamental to the application's user interface rendering process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to create malicious web pages that embed the SquirrelMail interface within invisible or deceptive frames. When users visit these crafted websites, the SquirrelMail interface appears within the attacker's page structure, making it possible for attackers to overlay transparent or deceptive elements that capture user interactions. This creates a perfect environment for clickjacking attacks where users believe they are interacting with the legitimate website but are actually performing actions on the embedded SquirrelMail interface. The vulnerability specifically affects the page header rendering process, which is responsible for setting up the initial HTML structure and security headers that should protect against such embedding scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4554 is substantial as it enables attackers to conduct sophisticated clickjacking operations against SquirrelMail users. Attackers can create deceptive interfaces that trick users into performing unintended actions such as sending emails, modifying account settings, or accessing sensitive information without proper authorization. This vulnerability particularly affects webmail users who may not be aware of the embedded frame attacks, making it a significant threat vector for credential theft, unauthorized email sending, and other malicious activities that compromise user accounts. The vulnerability essentially undermines the security model of the webmail application by allowing attackers to bypass the normal user interface protections that should prevent such cross-site embedding.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should include implementing proper frame-busting techniques within the page_header.php file, such as using the X-Frame-Options HTTP header with values of DENY or SAMEORIGIN to prevent embedding. Additionally, developers should implement Content Security Policy headers that restrict frame embedding and ensure that the application's interface cannot be rendered within third-party frames. The fix should also include implementing anti-clickjacking measures such as JavaScript-based frame detection and prevention mechanisms. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-1021, which specifically addresses "Improper Restriction of Rendered UI Layers or Frames", and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers "Exploitation for Client Execution" through web-based attack vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing comprehensive security headers across all web applications and regularly audit their code for similar frame-related vulnerabilities that could enable similar attack vectors.