CVE-1999-0404 in Mailmax
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Mail-Max SMTP server for Windows systems allows remote command execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-1999-0404 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Mail-Max SMTP server software designed for windows operating systems. This particular vulnerability resides in the server's handling of incoming SMTP commands, specifically when processing user input through network connections. The flaw manifests when the server receives malformed input data that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs within the SMTP protocol handling mechanisms of the Mail-Max server software. When an attacker sends specially crafted SMTP commands containing excessive data to the server, the application fails to properly validate input length before copying data into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition allows malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling attackers to inject and execute their own code within the server's memory space. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the network level, allowing remote exploitation without requiring local system access or authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple service disruption, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive email data. Attackers who successfully exploit this buffer overflow can gain full administrative control over the affected Mail-Max SMTP server, potentially using it as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The compromised server may then be used to relay spam emails, steal confidential information, or serve as a pivot point for accessing other systems on the network. Additionally, the vulnerability affects the integrity of the email communication infrastructure, potentially allowing attackers to intercept, modify, or delete email communications passing through the compromised server.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying vendor patches and updates to resolve the buffer overflow issue, implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious SMTP activity. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to arbitrary code execution. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter execution, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams. Network administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures to address potential compromises of email infrastructure.