CVE-2011-4458 in Best Practical
Summary
by MITRE
Best Practical Solutions RT 3.6.x, 3.7.x, and 3.8.x before 3.8.12 and 4.x before 4.0.6, when the VERPPrefix and VERPDomain options are enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-5092 and CVE-2011-5093.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4458 affects Best Practical Solutions RT (Request Tracker) versions 3.6.x through 3.8.x prior to 3.8.12 and versions 4.x prior to 4.0.6. This issue specifically manifests when the VERPPrefix and VERPDomain configuration options are enabled, creating a critical security gap that enables remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability represents a distinct threat vector from other related issues such as CVE-2011-5092 and CVE-2011-5093, indicating that attackers can exploit different mechanisms within the same software ecosystem. The affected versions demonstrate a pattern of security oversights in the VERP (Variable Envelope Return Path) implementation that was designed to handle email delivery tracking but inadvertently created exploitable conditions.
The technical flaw resides in how RT processes email addresses when VERPPrefix and VERPDomain options are enabled, allowing attackers to manipulate input parameters in ways that bypass normal validation checks. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories, representing command injection flaws where user-supplied data is improperly incorporated into system commands or shell executions. The exploitation occurs through manipulation of email headers or address parameters that are processed through the VERP system, potentially enabling attackers to inject malicious commands that execute with the privileges of the RT service account. Attackers can leverage this to execute arbitrary code on the server hosting the RT instance, which could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the organization's ticketing infrastructure. Since RT systems often contain sensitive information including customer data, internal communications, and system details, successful exploitation could result in significant data breaches and operational disruption. The vulnerability affects organizations using RT for help desk management, issue tracking, and support ticket handling, where email integration is critical. This threat is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to execute code remotely without requiring authentication to the RT system itself, making it an attractive target for adversaries seeking to establish long-term access to enterprise networks. The vulnerability's presence in multiple major version lines indicates a widespread exposure across organizations that may not have been updated to the patched releases.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4458 require immediate implementation of the vendor-provided patches, specifically upgrading to RT 3.8.12 or 4.0.6 where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should disable the VERPPrefix and VERPDomain options if they are not actively required for their email processing workflows, as this removes the attack surface entirely. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual email processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should review email header processing logic and implement strict input validation for all email-related parameters. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1078 (Valid Accounts), as exploitation typically involves command injection followed by potential lateral movement. Regular security assessments of email integration components and comprehensive vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other software components that may present similar security flaws.