CVE-2023-26490: mailcow is vulnerable to shell command injection via xoauth2 authentication in imapsync​

Published Mar 3, 2023
·
Updated

mailcow is a dockerized email package, with multiple containers linked in one bridged network. The Sync Job feature - which can be made available to standard users by assigning them the necessary permission - suffers from a shell command injection. A malicious user can abuse this vulnerability to obtain shell access to the Docker container running dovecot. The imapsync Perl script implements all the necessary functionality for this feature, including the XOAUTH2 authentication mechanism. This code path creates a shell command to call openssl. However, since different parts of the specified user password are included without any validation, one can simply execute additional shell commands. Notably, the default ACL for a newly-created mailcow account does not include the necessary permission. The Issue has been fixed within the 2023-03 Update (March 3rd 2023). As a temporary workaround the Syncjob ACL can be removed from all mailbox users, preventing from creating or changing existing Syncjobs.

Affected Software

1 affected component
Mailcow Mailcow\<2023-03

Event History

Mar 3, 2023
CVE Published
via MITRE·11:37 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·11:37 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2023-26490?

CVE-2023-26490 is a vulnerability in the Sync Job feature of mailcow, a dockerized email package, which allows for shell command injection.

2

How does CVE-2023-26490 affect mailcow?

CVE-2023-26490 affects mailcow by allowing a malicious user to execute arbitrary shell commands through the Sync Job feature.

3

What is the severity of CVE-2023-26490?

CVE-2023-26490 has a severity rating of 8.8, which is considered high.

4

How can I fix CVE-2023-26490 in mailcow?

To fix CVE-2023-26490 in mailcow, you should update to version 2023-03 or later.

5

Are there any references for CVE-2023-26490?

Yes, you can find more information about CVE-2023-26490 in the mailcow-dockerized GitHub repository and the associated security advisories.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203