CVE-2025-49113 Overview
Roundcube Webmail before 1.5.10 and 1.6.x before 1.6.11 allows remote code execution by authenticated users because the _from parameter in a URL is not validated in program/actions/settings/upload.php, leading to PHP Object Deserialization.
Critical Impact
This vulnerability allows authenticated users to execute arbitrary code on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Affected Products
- Roundcube Webmail < 1.5.10
- Roundcube Webmail 1.6.x < 1.6.11
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-02 - CVE-2025-49113 published to NVD
- 2025-06-12 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-49113
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability arises from the lack of input validation for the _from parameter in upload.php. By exploiting this, an attacker can trigger a PHP Object Deserialization flaw, which can lead to arbitrary code execution under the context of the web server process.
Root Cause
The root cause is the failure to validate or sanitize user input, particularly for deserializing PHP objects, which are inherently insecure unless handled carefully.
Attack Vector
The attack can be executed over a network by authenticated users, allowing them to inject malicious payloads through crafted input that is deserialized by the server.
// Example exploitation code (sanitized)
$payload = 'O:8:"Exploit":0:{}';
$url = "https://target.com/roundcube/?_task=settings&_action=upload&_from={$payload}";
$response = file_get_contents($url);
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-49113
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual outbound traffic from the web server
- Unexpected processes or scripts execution on the server
- Modifications to core Roundcube files without authorization
Detection Strategies
Utilize intrusion detection systems (IDS) to monitor and alert on abnormal HTTP requests targeting upload.php with unexpected data payloads. Implement web application firewalls (WAF) to scrutinize and block malicious input patterns.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor HTTP logs for targeted access to settings/upload.php
- Check for failed login attempts followed by settings changes
- Validate file integrity checksums for Roundcube scripts
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-49113
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Roundcube Webmail to version 1.5.10 or 1.6.11
- Audit input validation and sanitization mechanisms on the server
- Restrict unnecessary administrative privileges for users
Patch Information
Refer to the Roundcube advisory for official patches and update instructions.
Workarounds
As a temporary mitigation, modify upload.php to include rigorous input validation for query parameters, preventing deserialization of untrusted data.
# Configuration example
sed -i 's/untrusted_data_handler(\$input)/validate_and_sanitize(\$input)/g' /path/to/roundcube/program/actions/settings/upload.php
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
