CVE-2012-1920 in AtMail Open
Summary
by MITRE
@Mail WebMail Client in AtMail Open-Source 1.04 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain configuration information via a direct request to install/info.php, which calls the phpinfo function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1920 affects the AtMail Open-Source WebMail Client version 1.04 and earlier, presenting a critical information disclosure risk that enables remote attackers to access sensitive system configuration details. This flaw exists within the installation and setup components of the webmail application, specifically through a direct request to the install/info.php endpoint. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of requests to this particular file, which executes the phpinfo function without adequate authentication or authorization controls, thereby exposing comprehensive server configuration information to any remote user who can access the application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the phpinfo function being executed in a publicly accessible installation script, which typically should only be available during the initial setup phase of the application. When an attacker accesses the install/info.php file directly, the phpinfo function outputs detailed information about the PHP configuration, server environment, loaded modules, and potentially sensitive system parameters. This exposure includes database connection details, file paths, server software versions, and other configuration elements that could aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference, where the application fails to properly validate access permissions for installation and diagnostic scripts that are intended for administrative use only.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed configuration data provides attackers with crucial intelligence for planning subsequent attacks against the affected system. The leaked information may include database credentials, server paths, PHP module configurations, and other sensitive details that could be leveraged to escalate privileges, exploit additional vulnerabilities, or conduct targeted attacks against the webmail infrastructure. Security researchers have classified this issue under CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, while the attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, focusing on exploitation of information disclosure vulnerabilities. The vulnerability effectively compromises the principle of least privilege by allowing unauthorized access to administrative installation scripts that should normally be restricted to authorized personnel only.
Organizations utilizing the AtMail Open-Source WebMail Client should immediately implement mitigations including the removal or renaming of the install/info.php file, implementing proper authentication controls for installation scripts, and ensuring that all installation and diagnostic files are inaccessible to unauthenticated users. Network-level protections such as firewall rules and web application firewalls should be configured to block access to installation directories and diagnostic scripts. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive security audits to identify and remove any unnecessary installation files or diagnostic scripts that may be exposed to external networks. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper access control mechanisms and the need for regular security assessments of web applications to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system information, particularly in environments where open-source software is deployed without proper security hardening measures.