CVE-1999-0380 in SLmail
Summary
by MITRE
SLMail 3.1 and 3.2 allows local users to access any file in the NTFS file system when the Remote Administration Service (RAS) is enabled by setting a user's Finger File to point to the target file, then running finger on the user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-1999-0380 represents a critical access control flaw in SLMail versions 3.1 and 3.2 that exploits the Remote Administration Service functionality to enable unauthorized file system access. This issue stems from improper file path validation within the finger service implementation, allowing local attackers to bypass normal file system permissions and access any file on the NTFS file system when the Remote Administration Service is enabled. The vulnerability specifically leverages the finger service's ability to display user information, where an attacker can manipulate the Finger File configuration to point to arbitrary system files, then execute finger commands to retrieve the contents of these files. This represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that violates fundamental security principles of file system access control and privilege separation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of user configuration files within the SLMail system, specifically targeting the finger file attribute that controls which files are accessible through the finger service. When the Remote Administration Service is enabled, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize file paths specified in the finger file configuration, allowing attackers to specify absolute paths to system files such as password files, configuration data, or sensitive system information. The attack vector relies on the local user's ability to modify their own finger file configuration, which then gets processed by the finger service when invoked, resulting in unauthorized file access. This flaw operates at the application level within the mail server software and demonstrates poor input validation practices that have been addressed in modern security frameworks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides local attackers with unauthorized access to sensitive system files that would normally be protected by NTFS permissions and access control lists. Attackers can potentially extract password hashes, configuration files, system logs, or other sensitive data that could be used for further exploitation or privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects systems where SLMail is running with the Remote Administration Service enabled, which was common in many enterprise environments during the late 1990s and early 2000s. This flaw could be exploited to gain intelligence about system configurations, user accounts, or network infrastructure, making it a valuable tool for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or conduct reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper privilege separation and the dangers of enabling unnecessary administrative services.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on disabling the Remote Administration Service when it is not actively needed, as this removes the attack surface entirely. Additionally, proper input validation should be implemented to prevent arbitrary file path specification in finger file configurations, ensuring that only authorized files can be accessed through the finger service. System administrators should also implement proper access controls and monitor for unauthorized modifications to user configuration files. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-73 Path Traversal, representing a classic example of insufficient input sanitization. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access through local system exploitation, and should be addressed through proper system hardening and access control policies as recommended in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Regular security assessments and patch management are essential to prevent exploitation of such legacy vulnerabilities in modern environments.