CVE-2011-4542 in Hastymail2
Summary
by MITRE
Hastymail2 2.1.1 before RC2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the (1) rs or (2) rsargs[] parameter in a mailbox Drafts action to the default URI.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4542 affects Hastymail2 version 2.1.1 before RC2, specifically targeting the mailbox Drafts functionality within the default URI interface. This represents a critical remote code execution flaw that enables attackers to inject and execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's parameter handling mechanisms, particularly concerning the rs and rsargs[] parameters used in the Drafts action.
The technical flaw manifests through improper handling of user-supplied input in the rs and rsargs[] parameters, which are processed during mailbox Drafts operations. When these parameters contain malicious payloads, the application fails to adequately validate or sanitize the input before using it in system command execution contexts. This vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which describes "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')", specifically targeting command injection scenarios where user input directly influences system command execution. The flaw exists in the application's failure to properly escape or filter special characters that could alter the intended command structure, allowing attackers to inject additional commands that execute with the privileges of the web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with complete control over the affected system. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects systems where Hastymail2 is deployed as a web application, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application handles sensitive email communications or serves as a critical infrastructure component. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, significantly expanding the attack surface and potential impact.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the Hastymail2 application to version 2.1.1 RC2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the command injection flaw. System administrators should also implement input validation and sanitization measures at multiple layers including web application firewalls, application-level input filtering, and proper parameter escaping mechanisms. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect suspicious command execution patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and other command execution techniques, making it a critical target for defensive measures and threat hunting activities. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for web application accounts and regular security assessments can help prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.