Description
OrangeHRM is a comprehensive human resource management (HRM) system. From version 5.0 to 5.7, the application contains an input-neutralization flaw in its mail configuration and delivery workflow that allows user-controlled values to flow directly into the system’s sendmail command. Because these values are not sanitized or constrained before being incorporated into the command execution path, certain sendmail behaviors can be unintentionally invoked during email processing. This makes it possible for the application to write files on the server as part of the mail-handling routine, and in deployments where those files end up in web-accessible locations, the behavior can be leveraged to achieve execution of attacker-controlled content. The issue stems entirely from constructing OS-level command strings using unsanitized input within the mail-sending logic. This issue has been patched in version 5.8.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-199907
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability described in EUVD-2025-199907 pertains to an input-neutralization flaw in the mail configuration and delivery workflow of OrangeHRM, a comprehensive human resource management (HRM) system. This flaw allows user-controlled values to be directly incorporated into the system’s sendmail command without proper sanitization or constraint. The Base Score of 9.0, as per CVSS 4.0, indicates a critical severity level. The vector string CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H highlights the following characteristics:
- Attack Vector (AV): Network (N) - The vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network.
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L) - The attack requires minimal complexity.
- Attack Technique (AT): Physical (P) - The attack involves physical interaction, though in this context, it likely refers to direct interaction with the mail system.
- Privileges Required (PR): Low (L) - The attacker needs low-level privileges to exploit the vulnerability.
- User Interaction (UI): None (N) - No user interaction is required for the attack to succeed.
- Confidentiality (VC), Integrity (VI), Availability (VA), Scope Change (SC), Scope Integrity (SI), Scope Availability (SA): High (H) - The vulnerability has a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and can affect the scope of the attack.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
The primary attack vector involves injecting malicious input into the mail configuration and delivery workflow. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by:
- Injecting Malicious Commands: Crafting input that, when processed by the sendmail command, executes arbitrary commands on the server.
- Writing Files to Web-Accessible Locations: Leveraging the mail-handling routine to write files to directories that are accessible via the web, potentially leading to remote code execution.
- Exploiting Unsanitized Input: Taking advantage of the lack of input sanitization to manipulate the command execution path, leading to unintended behaviors.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
The vulnerability affects OrangeHRM versions from 5.0 to 5.7. The issue has been patched in version 5.8. Organizations using any of the affected versions are at risk and should prioritize updating to the patched version.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability, the following strategies are recommended:
- Immediate Patching: Upgrade to OrangeHRM version 5.8 or later, which includes the patch for this vulnerability.
- Input Sanitization: Ensure that all user inputs are properly sanitized and validated before being processed by the system.
- Least Privilege Principle: Implement strict access controls to limit the privileges of users and processes interacting with the mail system.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and code reviews to identify and address similar vulnerabilities.
- Monitoring and Logging: Implement robust monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect and respond to any suspicious activities related to the mail system.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations using OrangeHRM within the European Union. Given the critical nature of the flaw and its potential for remote code execution, it could lead to data breaches, unauthorized access, and disruption of services. This underscores the importance of timely patching and adherence to best security practices to protect sensitive information and maintain operational integrity.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- CWE ID: Likely CWE-78 (OS Command Injection)
- Exploitation: The vulnerability arises from the construction of OS-level command strings using unsanitized input within the mail-sending logic. This allows an attacker to inject malicious commands into the sendmail process.
- Detection: Security professionals can detect exploitation attempts by monitoring for unusual sendmail command executions and reviewing logs for anomalous file writes in web-accessible directories.
- Response: In case of an incident, immediate containment measures should include isolating affected systems, applying the patch, and conducting a thorough investigation to identify the extent of the compromise.
References:
- GitHub Advisory: GHSA-2w7w-h5wv-xr55
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-66224
By addressing this vulnerability promptly and implementing robust security measures, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation and protect their systems from potential attacks.