CVE-2001-1231 in GroupWise
Summary
by MITRE
GroupWise 5.5 and 6 running in live remote or smart caching mode allows remote attackers to read arbitrary users mailboxes by extracting usernames and passwords from sniffed network traffic, as addressed by the "Padlock" fix.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1231 represents a significant security flaw in Novell GroupWise email client software versions 5.5 and 6 when operating in live remote or smart caching modes. This weakness stems from the improper handling of authentication credentials during network communication, creating an avenue for remote attackers to compromise user accounts and access sensitive mailbox data. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system transmits authentication information in an unencrypted format, making it susceptible to interception through network sniffing techniques. This issue directly violates fundamental security principles regarding credential protection and network communication integrity, as outlined in various security frameworks and best practices.
The technical flaw exploited in this vulnerability occurs within the GroupWise client-server communication protocol where usernames and passwords are transmitted without adequate encryption mechanisms. Attackers can capture this traffic using standard network sniffing tools and extract the authentication credentials, subsequently gaining unauthorized access to target user mailboxes. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the network level rather than requiring local system access or exploitation of application-level flaws. This characteristic places it within the scope of network-based attacks and aligns with the attack pattern identified in the ATT&CK framework under network infiltration techniques. The specific "Padlock" fix referenced in the description addresses this issue by implementing proper encryption mechanisms for authentication data transmission.
The operational impact of CVE-2001-1231 extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass complete unauthorized access to user email accounts and potentially sensitive business communications. Organizations running affected GroupWise versions face significant risks including data breaches, intellectual property theft, and potential compliance violations. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access to systems, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent. This weakness directly affects the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the CIA triad, as it allows unauthorized data access and manipulation. The attack vector demonstrates how legacy systems can contain fundamental security flaws that persist despite being in production environments for extended periods.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the official "Padlock" fix provided by Novell to address the encryption vulnerability in GroupWise communications. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as network segmentation, mandatory encryption protocols, and regular network monitoring to detect potential credential interception attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure communication protocols and proper credential handling practices, aligning with CWE categories related to improper handling of sensitive information and weak encryption implementations. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other legacy systems and ensure comprehensive protection against network-based credential theft attacks.