CVE-2026-37073 in File Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 08/27/2026
Incorrect access control in /vfm-admin/ajax/sendfiles.php in Veno File Manager Project 4.4.9 allows an unauthenticated attacker to send emails from the configured SMPT server on the application via making a POST request to the endpoint with needed parameters and header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2026
The vulnerability identified in Veno File Manager Project version 4.4.9 represents a critical failure in access control mechanisms within the administrative interface, specifically targeting the /vfm-admin/ajax/sendfiles.php endpoint. This flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker to bypass authentication requirements and execute actions that should be restricted to authorized administrators. The core issue lies in the absence of proper session validation or token verification before processing incoming requests, which effectively turns this administrative function into a publicly accessible service. By exploiting this misconfiguration, external actors can interact with sensitive backend operations without possessing valid credentials, thereby undermining the fundamental security principle of least privilege and integrity assurance for the application's management layer.
From a technical perspective, the exploitation vector involves crafting specific HTTP POST requests to the vulnerable endpoint while supplying necessary parameters that dictate the behavior of the server-side script. The attacker can manipulate headers and payload data to configure the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) settings dynamically or leverage existing configurations to relay messages through the application's mail functionality. This capability transforms the web application into an open email relay, a severe security risk that extends beyond the immediate scope of the file manager itself. The ability to send emails from the server implies potential for spam distribution, phishing campaigns originating from trusted domains, and further reconnaissance activities where the attacker can use the application as a pivot point within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant due to its direct link to email transmission capabilities. Organizations relying on Veno File Manager may find their servers blacklisted by major internet service providers if they are used for unsolicited bulk mail, leading to reputational damage and loss of legitimate communication channels. Furthermore, the exploitation does not require any prior authentication, meaning it can be automated at scale using common vulnerability scanning tools or exploit frameworks. This ease of access lowers the barrier to entry for attackers with varying levels of expertise, increasing the likelihood of widespread compromise across systems running this specific version of the software. The lack of rate limiting or input validation on email parameters also facilitates abuse for malicious purposes such as credential stuffing support via password reset emails or social engineering attacks targeting end-users who trust the originating domain.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes Improper Access Control, specifically highlighting failures in enforcing security policies during user interactions. In terms of offensive cybersecurity frameworks, this behavior maps to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1567.002, known as Domain Fronting or more broadly under Exfiltration over Web Service if the emails are used to exfiltrate data, but primarily it reflects unauthorized access leading to abuse of functionality. The scenario also touches upon CWE-918 for Server-Side Request Forgery implications if internal services are accessed via email headers, though the primary classification remains an authentication bypass resulting in privilege escalation through functional misuse.
Mitigation strategies must prioritize immediate remediation by updating Veno File Manager to a patched version where access controls have been rigorously enforced on administrative endpoints. Until such updates are applied, network-level defenses should be implemented to restrict direct external access to the /vfm-admin/ directory structure using web application firewalls or reverse proxy configurations that require valid authentication tokens before forwarding requests to the backend server. Additionally, administrators should review SMTP configuration settings to ensure they do not allow dynamic modification of relay parameters from untrusted sources and implement strict output validation on all user-supplied input fields related to email functionality. Regular security audits focusing on access control logic in administrative modules are essential to prevent similar misconfigurations that expose critical infrastructure functions to unauthorized parties.