CVE-2013-1904 in Roundcube
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in steps/mail/sendmail.inc in Roundcube Webmail before 0.7.3 and 0.8.x before 0.8.6 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a full pathname in the _value parameter for the generic_message_footer setting in a save-perf action to index.php, as exploited in the wild in March 2013.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The CVE-2013-1904 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw in Roundcube Webmail software that affected versions prior to 0.7.3 and 0.8.x before 0.8.6. This vulnerability specifically targets the steps/mail/sendmail.inc component within the webmail application's architecture, creating a dangerous attack vector that enables remote adversaries to access arbitrary files on the server. The flaw manifests when processing a save-perf action through index.php, where an attacker can manipulate the _value parameter associated with the generic_message_footer setting to specify a full pathname. This vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild during March 2013, demonstrating its significance and the immediate threat it posed to webmail deployments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the Roundcube application's configuration handling mechanism. When the application processes the save-perf action with a maliciously crafted _value parameter containing an absolute path, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in file operations. This allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and directly reference files anywhere within the filesystem, potentially accessing sensitive configuration files, user data, or system files. The vulnerability operates at the application level rather than through network protocols, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring authentication or elevated privileges. The flaw aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to access critical system resources that could lead to complete system compromise. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially read configuration files containing database credentials, application secrets, or other sensitive information that would enable further attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation capability allows for arbitrary file reading, which could include user mailboxes, system logs, or application source code that might reveal additional attack vectors. This represents a significant threat to organizations relying on Roundcube Webmail, as the vulnerability could be leveraged to gain unauthorized access to email communications and potentially escalate privileges within the affected environment. The attack vector's simplicity and the widespread use of Roundcube made this vulnerability particularly dangerous and effective in real-world exploitation scenarios.
Organizations affected by CVE-2013-1904 should prioritize immediate remediation through patching to versions 0.7.3 or 0.8.6 and later, which contain the necessary fixes for the path traversal vulnerability. Security administrators should also implement network-level mitigations including firewall rules that restrict access to the specific vulnerable endpoints and monitor for suspicious file access patterns. The vulnerability's exploitation demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper file access controls in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and script injection and T1566 for credential access through compromised applications. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting thorough security audits of webmail configurations, and establishing monitoring for unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for web application processes and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their email infrastructure.