CVE-2026-2469 in imapengine
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2026
Versions of the package directorytree/imapengine before 1.22.3 are vulnerable to Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection') via the id() function in ImapConnection.php due to improperly escaping user input before including it in IMAP ID commands. This allows attackers to read or delete victim's emails, terminate the victim's session or execute any valid IMAP command on victim's mailbox by including quote characters " or CRLF sequences \r\n in the input.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-2469 affects the directorytree/imapengine package version 1.22.3 and earlier, presenting a critical injection flaw that stems from improper input sanitization within the ImapConnection.php file. This weakness specifically manifests in the id() function where user-provided data is inadequately escaped before being incorporated into IMAP ID commands. The root cause aligns with CWE-74, which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in output, and represents a classic case of injection vulnerability that can be exploited across downstream components. The flaw exists because the application fails to properly escape or sanitize user input before executing IMAP commands, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the command execution flow.
The technical implications of this vulnerability are severe and directly impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of email communications within affected systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting quote characters or CRLF (Carriage Return Line Feed) sequences into the input parameters, which then get processed within the IMAP ID commands. This injection capability allows adversaries to perform unauthorized actions such as reading victim emails, deleting messages, terminating active sessions, or executing any valid IMAP command on behalf of the targeted user. The vulnerability essentially grants attackers elevated privileges within the email environment, enabling them to manipulate mailbox contents and potentially access sensitive information.
From an operational perspective, the impact extends beyond simple data theft or modification to include session hijacking and persistent access to victim mailboxes. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects IMAP-based email systems where the id() function is commonly used for client identification and session management. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web applications that interface with IMAP servers, email clients, or any system that relies on the directorytree/imapengine package for email processing. The exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by both skilled attackers and less experienced threat actors.
The mitigation strategy centers on updating to version 1.22.3 or later of the directorytree/imapengine package, which includes proper input sanitization and escaping mechanisms for the id() function. Organizations should also implement additional protective measures such as input validation at multiple layers, proper escaping of special characters in all user-provided data, and regular security audits of third-party components. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual IMAP command patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input handling, particularly when dealing with protocols that have direct system access capabilities like IMAP. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a command injection technique, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary commands within the email system context, highlighting the need for comprehensive application security controls and regular vulnerability assessments.
The broader implications of this vulnerability underscore the critical need for proper input validation and output escaping in all system components, especially those that interface with system-level protocols. The attack scenario illustrates how a single flawed function can provide attackers with extensive access privileges within email environments, making it essential for organizations to maintain up-to-date security practices and conduct regular vulnerability assessments of their software dependencies. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of following secure coding guidelines and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against injection attacks that can compromise entire email infrastructure.