CVE-2000-0780 in IMail
Summary
by MITRE
The web server in IPSWITCH IMail 6.04 and earlier allows remote attackers to read and delete arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0780 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting the IPSWITCH IMail web server component version 6.04 and earlier. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation within the web server's file handling mechanisms, specifically when processing URL-encoded paths that contain directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit the lack of proper path normalization and validation checks, enabling them to navigate beyond the intended web root directory and access or manipulate files outside the server's designated boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the manipulation of directory traversal sequences using the ".." (dot dot) notation commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. When the IMail web server processes requests containing these sequences, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the input paths, allowing attackers to construct malicious URLs that reference files outside the web server's intended document root. This flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and access control mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to sensitive system files and data that may include configuration files, user credentials, email data, and system binaries. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read arbitrary files, potentially exposing critical system information, user authentication details, or confidential business data stored on the server. Additionally, the ability to delete arbitrary files introduces the risk of data destruction, system corruption, or denial of service conditions that can significantly impact business operations and data integrity. The vulnerability can be exploited without authentication requirements, making it particularly dangerous as it allows for widespread exploitation across networked environments.
This vulnerability maps directly to several ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter), as attackers can use the directory traversal capability to discover system files and potentially execute commands through file manipulation. The attack surface extends beyond simple file access to include potential privilege escalation opportunities when attackers can access system configuration files or binaries that may contain sensitive information or provide pathways for further exploitation. Organizations running vulnerable versions of IMail should immediately implement mitigations including patching to the latest available version, implementing proper input validation at the web server level, and restricting file access permissions to prevent unauthorized traversal. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to the vulnerable web server components, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized file access or deletion operations have occurred. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive data or providing administrative functions through web interfaces.