👉 Overview
👀 What ?
SMTP Smuggling is a cyber attack method that exploits the SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) to infiltrate, exfiltrate data, or otherwise compromise a system or network.
🧐 Why ?
SMTP Smuggling is an important topic because of its potential for serious damage. It can be used to bypass security measures, gain unauthorized access, and steal sensitive data. It is also a stealthy technique, making it difficult to detect and prevent.
⛏️ How ?
SMTP Smuggling is performed by exploiting vulnerabilities in the way SMTP servers handle data. The attacker sends specially crafted messages that can trick the server into accepting malicious content. This can be used to deliver malware, exfiltrate data, or even gain control of the server.
⏳ When ?
SMTP Smuggling has been known and used by cyber criminals for quite some time. It became more prevalent with the rise of complex web applications and the increasing reliance on email as a communication tool.
⚙️ Technical Explanations
SMTP is a protocol used for sending email. It works by sending messages from one server to another, until the message reaches its destination. Each server along the way can potentially be exploited using SMTP Smuggling. The attacker manipulates the way data is interpreted by the server, causing it to behave in unexpected ways. This can include executing arbitrary code, accepting unauthorized messages, or leaking sensitive information.