Mageia 9 Security Update: Critical Post-Auth RCE Patch in Roundcube Mail (CVE-2025-49113)

 

Mageia 9 issues a critical patch for Roundcube Mail (CVE-2025-49113), fixing a Post-Auth RCE flaw. Learn how to secure Linux email servers, exploit risks, and enterprise mitigation steps. Updated June 2025.

Why This Update Matters for Linux Security

A critical Post-Authentication Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability (CVE-2025-49113) has been patched in Roundcube Mail 1.6.11 & 1.5.10, affecting Mageia Linux 9. This flaw could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code after authentication, posing severe risks to email servers and sensitive data.

🔴 Key Takeaways:

✔ Critical Severity: Exploitable RCE in a widely used webmail client.

✔ Immediate Action Required: Admins must patch to prevent breaches.

✔ Enterprise Impact: Affects businesses relying on self-hosted email solutions.

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Detailed Security Advisory

1. Vulnerability Breakdown

The flaw, discovered in Roundcube Mail, allows authenticated attackers to execute malicious code via crafted requests. Given Roundcube’s popularity in enterprise and private email hosting, this poses a high-risk scenario for:

• Corporate email servers

• Government & healthcare communications

• Linux-based hosting environments

🔹 Affected Versions:

• Roundcube 1.6.x (prior to 1.6.11)

• Roundcube 1.5.x (prior to 1.5.10)

🔹 Patch Status:

✅ Fixed in Mageia 9 via MGASA-2025-0185 (roundcubemail-1.6.11-2.mga9).

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2. How to Mitigate the Risk

Step-by-Step Guide for SysAdmins:

1. Update Immediately:

   bash

   Copy

   Download

   sudo urpmi --auto-update --auto roundcubemail

2. Verify Installation:

   bash

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   rpm -qa | grep roundcubemail

3. Audit Logs: Check for suspicious activity in /var/log/roundcubemail.

⚠ Delaying Updates Risks:

• Data breaches (exfiltrated emails, contacts)

• Server compromise (backdoor installation)

• Regulatory penalties (GDPR, HIPAA violations)

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3. Technical References & Sources

Primary Sources 

• Mageia Bug Report #34341

• Roundcube Security Advisory (2025)

• CVE-2025-49113 Details (MITRE)

• Openwall OSS-Security Thread

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4. Why This Matters for Advertisers (High CPM Focus)

This content attracts premium B2B and enterprise advertisers due to:

• High-value audience (sysadmins, IT security teams, DevOps).

• Commercial intent keywords:

  • "Enterprise email security solutions"

  • "Linux server patching services"

  • "RCE vulnerability scanning tools"

• Tier 1 ad categories: Cybersecurity, cloud hosting, compliance software.

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5. FAQs (Featured Snippet Optimization)

Q: How critical is this Roundcube RCE flaw?

A: Critical (CVSS 9.8)—allows full server control post-auth.

Q: Does this affect shared hosting providers?

A: Yes, if they use Roundcube (common in cPanel, Plesk).

Q: Are there workarounds if I can’t patch immediately?

A: Restrict Roundcube access via firewall rules or WAF.