CVE-2001-0104 in MDaemon
Summary
by MITRE
MDaemon Pro 3.5.1 and earlier allows local users to bypass the "lock server" security setting by pressing the Cancel button at the password prompt, then pressing the enter key.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0104 affects MDaemon Pro version 3.5.1 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in the email server software's authentication mechanism. This issue stems from improper handling of user input during the password verification process, specifically when users interact with the lock server security feature. The lock server functionality is designed to prevent unauthorized access by requiring valid authentication credentials before granting access to the email server services. However, the vulnerability creates an exploitable condition that undermines this fundamental security control through a seemingly simple interaction pattern.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's response to user input during authentication prompts. When local users encounter the password dialog, they can bypass the intended security measures by pressing the Cancel button followed by the Enter key. This specific sequence of actions triggers a race condition or input validation error within the MDaemon Pro application, allowing unauthorized access to the system. The vulnerability exploits the application's failure to properly validate or reset the authentication state when users interrupt the password entry process, creating a persistent authentication bypass that remains active until the application is restarted.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on MDaemon Pro for email services. Local users who can access the system with basic privileges can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to email accounts, potentially leading to data breaches, message interception, and system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as the vulnerability allows attackers to circumvent the server lock functionality that is specifically designed to protect against such attacks. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of email communications, potentially exposing sensitive business information, personal data, and proprietary communications stored on the server.
The security implications of CVE-2001-0104 align with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms in software applications. This vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and improper state management during authentication processes. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-impact method of bypassing security controls that aligns with techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and credential access tactics. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in authentication systems can create significant security weaknesses that undermine the entire security architecture of an email server.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to MDaemon Pro versions that address this specific flaw, as well as implementing additional access controls and monitoring mechanisms. The recommended approach involves applying the vendor-supplied patches and updates that correct the authentication handling behavior. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as network segmentation, enhanced logging of authentication attempts, and regular security assessments to detect similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability underscores the importance of thorough input validation and proper state management in authentication systems, emphasizing that even basic user interaction patterns can create significant security risks when not properly addressed in software design and implementation phases.