CVE-2001-0990 in vpopmail
Summary
by MITRE
Inter7 vpopmail 4.10.35 and earlier, when using the MySQL module, compiles authentication information in cleartext into the libvpopmail.a library, which allows local users to obtain the MySQL username and password by inspecting the vpopmail programs that use the library.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0990 affects the Inter7 vpopmail email server software version 4.10.35 and earlier when utilizing the MySQL database module for authentication. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that exposes sensitive authentication credentials through improper handling of database connection information. The vulnerability stems from the compilation process where cleartext authentication details are embedded directly into the libvpopmail.a library file, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by local attackers with access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the MySQL module within vpopmail where database credentials including usernames and passwords are stored in plain text format within the compiled library. When programs that utilize vpopmail are executed, they reference this library containing the cleartext credentials, making the information accessible through various inspection techniques. This approach violates fundamental security principles of credential handling and demonstrates poor secure coding practices that directly expose sensitive authentication data to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability specifically relates to CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage and transmission.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems running affected versions of vpopmail, as local users with minimal privileges can readily extract database authentication credentials without requiring sophisticated attack techniques. This creates a substantial risk for email server environments where vpopmail is deployed, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to MySQL databases containing user mail accounts, email configurations, and potentially other sensitive information stored within the database. The vulnerability enables privilege escalation and lateral movement within the network infrastructure, as compromised database credentials can be used to access additional systems that rely on the same database.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK tactics including credential access and privilege escalation, where adversaries can leverage local access to obtain database credentials for broader system compromise. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of vpopmail, ensuring proper credential management practices, and implementing access controls to limit local user privileges. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring for suspicious library inspection activities and regularly audit database access logs to detect potential unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding guidelines and avoiding the storage of sensitive information in plain text formats within compiled libraries, as recommended by industry best practices for secure software development.