directorytree/imapengine: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component
CVE-2026-2469 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component vulnerability in directorytree/imapengine, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.6 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists version 1.22.3 as the first without the flaw, so updating directorytree/imapengine to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.39% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update directorytree/imapengine to 1.22.3 or a later version.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directorytree/imapengine | directorytree/imapengine | before 1.22.3 | 1.22.3 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- LowSome restricted data can be read.
- Integrity
- LowLimited modification of data is possible.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:H. Scored by CNA (snyk.io).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 5.7 | Medium | CNA (snyk.io) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.6 | High | CNA (snyk.io) |
Official description
Versions of the package directorytree/imapengine before 1.22.3 are vulnerable to Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection') via the id() function in ImapConnection.php due to improperly escaping user input before including it in IMAP ID commands. This allows attackers to read or delete victim's emails, terminate the victim's session or execute any valid IMAP command on victim's mailbox by including quote characters " or CRLF sequences \r\n in the input.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component
The product constructs all or part of a command, data structure, or record using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify how it is parsed or interpreted when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Programming languages and supporting technologies might be chosen which are not subject to these issues.
- Utilize an appropriate mix of allowlist and denylist parsing to filter control-plane syntax from all input.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Other references
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.