CVE-2026-27602: Modoboa has an OS Command Injection
Summary
execcmd() in modoboa/lib/sysutils.py always runs subprocess calls with shell=True. Since domain names flow directly into shell command strings without any sanitization, a Reseller or SuperAdmin can include shell metacharacters in a domain name to run arbitrary OS commands on the server.
Details
The root cause is in modoboa/lib/sysutils.py:31:
python kwargs["shell"] = True process = subprocess.Popen(cmd, kwargs)
When a create a domain is created with DKIM enabled, the domain name gets embedded into a shell command like this:
python execcmd(f"openssl genrsa -out {dkimstoragedir}/{domain.name}.pem {keysize}")
If the domain name contains something like $(id>/tmp/proof).example.com, the shell executes the injected command before running openssl.
The same pattern appears in several other places:
- modoboa/admin/jobs.py:38 — mailbox rename via mv using fulladdress - modoboa/amavis/lib.py:202 — sa-learn using domain.name - modoboa/admin/models/mailbox.py:150 — doveadm user using fulladdress - modoboa/maillog/graphics.py:105–107 — rrdtool using domain.name - modoboa/webmail/models.py:54–57 — doveadm move/delete using account.email
PoC
1. Deploy modoboa <= 2.7.0 2. Log in as a Reseller or SuperAdmin 3. Create a new domain named $(id>/tmp/proof).example.com with DKIM enabled 4. SSH into the server and read /tmp/proof
Something like this will be displayed:
uid=0(root) gid=0(root) groups=0(root)
Confirmed on commit b521bcb4f (latest main at time of discovery).
Impact
An attacker with Reseller-level access (or higher) can execute arbitrary OS commands on the mail server — in a typical Modoboa deployment this means running as root. All six identified sinks are reachable through normal application workflows.
Other sources
Modoboa is a mail hosting and management platform. Prior to version 2.7.1, execcmd() in modoboa/lib/sysutils.py always runs subprocess calls with shell=True. Since domain names flow directly into shell command strings without any sanitization, a Reseller or SuperAdmin can include shell metacharacters in a domain name to run arbitrary OS commands on the server. Version 2.7.1 patches the issue.
— MITRE
Affected Software
Remediation
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-27602?
CVE-2026-27602 is classified as a high severity vulnerability due to its potential for arbitrary code execution.
How do I fix CVE-2026-27602?
To remediate CVE-2026-27602, upgrade to modoboa version 2.7.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-27602?
CVE-2026-27602 is a command injection vulnerability that arises from improper handling of shell commands.
Who is affected by CVE-2026-27602?
CVE-2026-27602 affects users of modoboa version 2.7.0 and earlier, particularly those with Reseller or SuperAdmin privileges.
What can attackers do with CVE-2026-27602?
Attackers can exploit CVE-2026-27602 to execute arbitrary OS commands on the server by manipulating domain names in shell commands.