CVE-2016-10034: zend-mail remote code execution via Sendmail adapter

zendframework/zend-mail Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

14/05/2022
Yes i
Critical
9.8

CVE-2016-10034: zend-mail remote code execution via Sendmail adapter. Affects zendframework/zend-mail across 4 version ranges.

< 2.4.11 >= 2.5, <= 2.5.2 >= 2.6, <= 2.6.2 >= 2.7, < 2.7.2

Fixed in 2.4.11 or 2.7.2, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓

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Background

The zend-mail component is a part of the Zend Framework, which is a collection of professional PHP packages. It provides a simple and flexible API for sending emails using various adapters, including the Sendmail adapter. The Sendmail adapter allows sending emails using the local Sendmail command-line tool. This vulnerability affects versions before 2.4.11, 2.5.x, 2.6.x, and 2.7.x before 2.7.2 of the zend-mail component and Zend Framework.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2016-10034, exists in the setFrom function of the Sendmail adapter. It allows remote attackers to pass extra parameters to the mail command, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code. This can be achieved by including a backslash double quote (") in a crafted e-mail address. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially gaining unauthorized access or causing further harm.

How To Fix

Fixed versions by release line

The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.

  • < 2.4.11 2.4.11
    composer require zendframework/zend-mail:2.4.11
  • >= 2.7, < 2.7.2 2.7.2
    composer require zendframework/zend-mail:2.7.2

Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →

Workaround

As a temporary workaround, users can sanitize the input to the setFrom function and ensure that no backslash double quotes (") are present in the e-mail address. This can be done by implementing input validation and filtering mechanisms before passing the e-mail address to the setFrom function.

Conclusion

The zend-mail component and Zend Framework versions before 2.4.11, 2.5.x, 2.6.x, and 2.7.x before 2.7.2 are vulnerable to remote code execution via the Sendmail adapter. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to unauthorized access or further compromise. It is crucial to update to the fixed versions or apply the recommended workarounds to mitigate the risk. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for zendframework/zend-mail →

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FAQ

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to unauthorized access or further compromise of the system.

You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert analyzes your composer.lock file and provides real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities.

While specific exploits for this vulnerability may exist, they have not been disclosed publicly. However, it is crucial to patch the vulnerability as soon as possible to prevent potential exploitation.

At the moment, input validation and filtering are the recommended workarounds to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability. It is essential to update to the fixed versions as soon as possible.

The vulnerability was discovered by the GitHub Security Lab and reported to the Zend Framework security team.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for zendframework/zend-mail.

How To Fix

Fixed versions by release line

The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.

  • < 2.4.11 2.4.11
    composer require zendframework/zend-mail:2.4.11
  • >= 2.7, < 2.7.2 2.7.2
    composer require zendframework/zend-mail:2.7.2

Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →

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