CVE-1999-1275 in Lotus cc:Mail
Summary
by MITRE
Lotus cc:Mail release 8 stores the postoffice password in plaintext in a hidden file which has insecure permissions, which allows local users to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-1999-1275 represents a critical security flaw in Lotus cc:Mail version 8, a widely used email client software of its time. This issue stems from poor security practices in how the application handles authentication credentials, specifically the postoffice password that governs access to the email system. The flaw manifests through the application's improper handling of sensitive data, storing critical authentication information in an unencrypted format within a hidden file structure. This design decision fundamentally undermines the security model of the email system, creating an exploitable condition that directly compromises system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the storage of plaintext passwords in a hidden configuration file that lacks proper access controls. The insecure file permissions allow any local user with access to the system to read the file contents, thereby obtaining the postoffice password without requiring any specialized tools or techniques. This represents a classic case of inadequate privilege separation and improper data protection mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of sensitive data, and CWE-276, which covers incorrect file permissions that allow unauthorized access to sensitive information. The flaw demonstrates how simple design oversights can create significant security risks within enterprise email systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond the immediate compromise of a single password. Local users who can access the hidden file gain access to the postoffice password, which typically provides elevated privileges within the cc:Mail system. This access level often includes the ability to manage email accounts, modify system configurations, and potentially access confidential communications. Attackers could leverage this privilege escalation to perform unauthorized actions such as reading all email messages, creating new user accounts, modifying existing user permissions, or even disabling security features. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor that allows any local user to assume administrative privileges within the email system, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where multiple individuals have access to the same system.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical expertise, as it relies on simple file system access rather than complex attack vectors. Attackers need only have local access to the system and knowledge of the specific file location where the password is stored. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by anyone with basic system access, including potentially malicious insiders or attackers who have gained initial access through other means. The lack of additional security controls such as encryption or access logging further compounds the risk. Organizations implementing mitigation strategies should consider the broader implications of this vulnerability and ensure proper file system permissions are enforced. The issue highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure software development, particularly regarding credential storage and access control mechanisms. Proper implementation of these principles would have prevented the creation of such an easily exploitable security flaw in the first place.