CVE-2012-4495 in Mimemail
Summary
by MITRE
The Mime Mail module 6.x-1.x before 6.x-1.1 for Drupal does not properly restrict access to files outside Drupal s publish files directory, which allows remote authenticated users to send arbitrary files as attachments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-4495 affects the Mime Mail module version 6.x-1.x before 6.x-1.1 in Drupal content management systems. This security flaw represents a critical access control issue that undermines the fundamental security boundaries of the web application. The vulnerability specifically targets the module's handling of file attachments within email functionality, creating a path for unauthorized file access that could potentially expose sensitive system resources to malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the Mime Mail module's file handling processes. When authenticated users send emails through the Drupal system, the module fails to properly validate or restrict file paths that are being attached to messages. This allows attackers to specify file paths that extend beyond the designated Drupal publish files directory, potentially accessing files that should remain protected within the system's restricted areas. The flaw operates at the file system level, where the module's path resolution logic does not adequately sanitize user-provided file references.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations using affected Drupal installations. Remote authenticated users can leverage this flaw to send arbitrary files as email attachments, potentially including sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other confidential information. The attack vector requires only authentication to the Drupal system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by users with legitimate access rights. This capability could lead to information disclosure, privilege escalation, and potential system compromise if sensitive files are included in the attachments.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. This weakness allows attackers to access files and directories that are stored outside the intended directory, often by manipulating input data to include directory traversal characters such as "../". The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 Impair Defenses, as it enables attackers to potentially access system resources and manipulate application behavior through malicious file handling. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to the patched version of the Mime Mail module, implementing proper file access controls, and monitoring email attachment activities for suspicious patterns. Additionally, network segmentation and application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts.