CVE-2017-15806 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Zeta Components Mail prior to version 1.8.2 is vulnerable due to improper character set limitation in the ezcMail returnPath property, potentially allowing remote code execution via crafted email addresses.

Understanding CVE-2017-15806

In November 2017, CVE-2017-15806 was published, highlighting a critical vulnerability in Zeta Components Mail.

What is CVE-2017-15806?

The vulnerability in the send function of the ezcMailMtaTransport class in Zeta Components Mail before 1.8.2 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code through specially crafted email addresses.

The Impact of CVE-2017-15806

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to remote code execution, posing a significant threat to the security of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-15806

Zeta Components Mail's vulnerability can be further understood through technical details.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises from the inadequate restriction of character sets in the ezcMail returnPath property, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Zeta Components Mail
Versions affected: Prior to 1.8.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting email addresses containing specific payloads, such as "-X/path/to/wwwroot/file.php".

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-15806 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Zeta Components Mail to version 1.8.2 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement email filtering mechanisms to detect and block malicious payloads.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update software components to address security flaws promptly.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by Zeta Components to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2017-15806.