phpList Detection Scanner

phpList is an open-source newsletter manager used by organizations and businesses to manage email campaigns. It allows users to send email newsletters, manage mailing lists, and evaluate the effectiveness of their email campaigns. phpList is popular among small to medium-sized businesses due to its flexibility and open-source nature. The software can be installed on web servers and integrated with existing websites to manage email communications effectively. It supports advanced features like click tracking, content personalization, and subscription management. Large enterprises also use phpList for its adaptability and the ability to handle high volumes of email efficiently.

Detected is category-specific technology detection, helping identify the presence of phpList in digital assets. This vulnerability is important for security assessments, as it provides information on software usage that may require updates or security checks. Attackers often look for known technologies to exploit common vulnerabilities associated with those technologies. Knowing that phpList is present helps security teams fortify their defenses against potential exploitation vectors. Detecting technology presence is crucial for maintaining a secure environment by allowing for timely software updates and patches.

Technically, the scanner focuses on finding specific keywords in the website's HTML content that indicate phpList's presence. It searches for keywords like 'phpList Ltd' and 'content="phpList' within the body of web pages. The method and path used involve a GET request, checking various redirects to ensure the final page content includes phpList references. The scanner also extracts version numbers to provide insights into which phpList version is installed, aiding in vulnerability management. Detection is performed through regex methods to pinpoint relevant content strings.

Exploiting this vulnerability suggests attackers can recognize phpList usage, targeting it for specific phpList-related exploits. Detecting obsolete phpList versions or unpatched configurations can increase susceptibility to risks such as data breaches or service disruptions. This information can lead to unauthorized access, manipulation, or deletion of mailing list data. Because phpList handles email communications, misuse may also result in phishing attacks using compromised email infrastructure. Overall, recognizing phpList's presence helps mitigate such risks promptly.

REFERENCES

• https://www.phplist.org/