CVE-1999-1497 in IMail
Summary
by MITRE
Ipswitch IMail 5.0 and 6.0 uses weak encryption to store passwords in registry keys, which allows local attackers to read passwords for e-mail accounts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-1999-1497 represents a critical weakness in the Ipswitch IMail email server software versions 5.0 and 6.0 where password storage mechanisms fail to implement adequate cryptographic protection. This flaw exists within the registry key storage system where email account credentials are persisted, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this email infrastructure. The vulnerability falls under the category of weak cryptographic implementation as defined by CWE-327, specifically targeting the improper use of encryption algorithms for sensitive data protection. The registry keys containing password information are stored using inadequate encryption methods that can be easily reverse-engineered or decrypted by local attackers with minimal technical expertise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the software's use of weak encryption algorithms or flawed cryptographic implementations that do not meet modern security standards. Attackers with local access to the system can directly read the registry entries where email account passwords are stored, bypassing any authentication mechanisms that should protect these credentials. This weakness enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to multiple email accounts and potentially escalate their privileges within the network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core authentication mechanisms of the email server, allowing attackers to compromise the entire email infrastructure. The attack vector is classified as local privilege escalation through credential theft, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1555.003 for credential access through registry modification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as compromised email accounts can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration and lateral movement. Organizations using affected versions of IMail face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized email communications, and potential compromise of sensitive business information. The vulnerability affects email account management and authentication processes, potentially disrupting business operations while providing attackers with persistent access to critical communication channels. The long-term implications include potential damage to organizational reputation, compliance violations, and increased attack surface for subsequent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation in security-critical applications and the necessity of regular security assessments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate software updates to patched versions of Ipswitch IMail that address the weak encryption implementation. Organizations must implement comprehensive registry access controls and monitor for unauthorized modifications to sensitive system areas. The recommended approach includes disabling unnecessary local access to the system, implementing strong access controls for registry modifications, and conducting regular security audits of critical system components. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to registry keys containing sensitive information. The vulnerability highlights the need for proper security testing during software development and the importance of adhering to cryptographic best practices as outlined in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic key management and implementation. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms to reduce the impact of credential compromise and establish robust incident response procedures for handling such security breaches.