CVE-2001-0642 in Incredimail
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in IncrediMail version 1400185 and earlier allows local users to overwrite files on the local hard drive by appending .. (dot dot) sequences to filenames listed in the content.ini file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0642 represents a classic directory traversal flaw that existed within IncrediMail version 1400185 and earlier releases. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the email client's handling of file paths, specifically when processing entries within the content.ini configuration file. The flaw allows malicious local users to manipulate file operations by appending .. (dot dot) sequences to filenames, effectively bypassing normal directory access controls and gaining unauthorized write access to arbitrary locations on the local filesystem.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates at the core of file system path manipulation, where the application fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input before using it in file operations. The issue manifests when IncrediMail processes the content.ini file, which likely contains references to various email content files or resources. When a local attacker crafts malicious filenames containing directory traversal sequences, the application interprets these sequences as legitimate path navigation commands rather than potentially harmful input. This failure to properly validate path components creates an exploitable condition that can be leveraged to overwrite critical system files or inject malicious content into arbitrary locations on the hard drive.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, as it fundamentally undermines the security boundaries of the email client application. Local users with access to the system can potentially overwrite configuration files, executable components, or even system-critical files that could lead to privilege escalation or system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no network connectivity or external attack vectors, making it exploitable through local system access alone. From an attacker's perspective, this flaw provides a straightforward method to modify application behavior or gain persistent access through file replacement techniques, with potential implications for system integrity and data confidentiality.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this 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. The flaw also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access through social engineering, though the primary attack vector here is local privilege escalation through file system manipulation. Organizations should consider implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures, including path normalization, absolute path resolution, and strict file access controls to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited. The recommended mitigation strategies include updating to patched versions of IncrediMail, implementing proper file path validation, and restricting local user privileges to minimize the potential impact of such local exploitation techniques.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in application security, particularly when handling file system operations. The flaw exists in the fundamental way the application processes user-controllable data, highlighting the need for robust security practices throughout the software development lifecycle. Security practitioners should emphasize the implementation of secure coding practices, including the use of allowlists for acceptable file paths, proper directory traversal detection, and comprehensive testing of file system access controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future applications.