External risk intelligence

Roundcube Webmail Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2020-12641

A vulnerability in Roundcube Webmail allows attackers to execute arbitrary code through configuration settings. This poses a significant business risk, potentially leading to system compromise and data breaches due to external exposure and ease of exploitation. Affected organizations should prioritize remediation.

5Halo Surface Signal

OS Command Injection

Roundcube Webmail

1.2.0 to before 1.2.101.3.0 to before 1.3.111.4.0 to before 1.4.415.015.115.2

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2020-12641

This vulnerability affects Roundcube Webmail, a software product designed specifically to be a public-facing web interface for email access. By definition, webmail applications are deployed as internet-accessible portals intended for remote user authentication and communication, placing the vulnerable components directly at the network edge.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Roundcube Webmail application contains a critical flaw related to how it handles configuration settings for image processing. This weakness allows attackers to inject malicious commands, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution within the affected systems. The primary business impact stems from the possibility of attackers gaining control over these systems, leading to data breaches, service disruptions, and reputational damage.

  • Vulnerable component: Roundcube Webmail configuration settings
  • Core weakness: Allows command injection
  • Main business impact: System compromise and data exposure

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a targeted system. Attackers can leverage this by manipulating specific configuration settings that are processed with shell metacharacters. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution and potential compromise of the affected webmail system.

  • Configuration setting exposed externally.
  • Attacker sends crafted input.
  • Arbitrary code execution occurs.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant risk due to its ease of exploitation and the potential for severe impact. Attackers can execute arbitrary code by leveraging shell metacharacters within specific configuration settings. This capability allows for widespread compromise, potentially leading to data breaches, system disruption, and unauthorized access. Organizations utilizing the affected software should consider immediate remediation to mitigate business risk.

  • Attackers with no special skills.
  • No access or conditions required.
  • High business risk or urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This critical vulnerability in Roundcube Webmail allows for arbitrary code execution through shell metacharacters in specific configuration settings. An attacker can exploit this flaw remotely without needing user interaction or prior authentication. The risk to affected organizations includes potential compromise of systems, unauthorized access to sensitive data, and disruption of services, as the vulnerability is externally exposed and actively exploited.

  • Identify exposed Roundcube assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate affected systems.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related security incidents.

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary weakness in Roundcube Webmail that attackers can exploit?

The primary weakness is the allowance of arbitrary code execution via shell metacharacters in specific configuration settings, namely im_convert_path or im_identify_path. This vulnerability is present in Roundcube Webmail before version 1.4.4.

How can an attacker exploit the vulnerability in Roundcube Webmail?

An attacker can exploit this by injecting shell metacharacters into the im_convert_path or im_identify_path configuration settings. This allows them to execute arbitrary commands on the server hosting the Roundcube Webmail application.

What is the potential impact of the Roundcube Webmail vulnerability?

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution, potentially resulting in a full compromise of the affected webmail system. This could enable attackers to access sensitive data, disrupt services, and cause reputational damage.

What is the threat advisory for CVE-2020-12641 affecting Roundcube Webmail?

This critical vulnerability in Roundcube Webmail allows for arbitrary code execution through shell metacharacters in specific configuration settings. An attacker can exploit this flaw remotely without needing user interaction or prior authentication. The risk to affected organizations includes potential compromise of systems, unauthorized access to sensitive data, and disruption of services, as the vulnerability is externally exposed and actively exploited.

What steps should be taken to address the Roundcube Webmail vulnerability?

Organizations should identify exposed Roundcube assets, reduce their exposure, or isolate affected systems. It is crucial to apply vendor-provided fixes, specifically updating to version 1.4.4 or later, and validate that the updates have been successfully applied. Continuous monitoring for related security incidents is also recommended.

References