CVE-2002-0777 in IMail
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the LDAP component of Ipswitch IMail 7.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long "bind DN" parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0777 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol implementation of Ipswitch IMail version 7.1 and earlier. This security weakness specifically manifests in the handling of the "bind DN" parameter during LDAP authentication processes, creating a pathway for remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the software's directory service component, where user-supplied data fails to be properly bounded before being processed by the application's internal buffers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a maliciously crafted "bind DN" parameter that exceeds the allocated buffer space within the IMail LDAP component. This overflow condition allows the attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected service. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite stack memory containing return addresses and other critical program state information. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in network services as it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it a prime target for automated attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities within the IMail server environment. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to email databases, user credentials, and potentially allow attackers to establish persistent backdoors for continued system infiltration. The vulnerability affects organizations running legacy IMail versions, creating significant risk for enterprises relying on outdated email infrastructure. Attackers leveraging this flaw could potentially escalate privileges to system-level access, enabling them to modify or delete sensitive data, install malware, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. This type of remote code execution vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands through compromised service accounts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0777 require immediate implementation of software updates and patches provided by Ipswitch, as the vulnerability exists in versions 7.1 and earlier. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to patched versions of IMail or migrating to supported email solutions to eliminate exposure to this and similar legacy vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to LDAP ports and IMail services, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing input validation controls and bounds checking mechanisms within applications can help prevent similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other legacy systems that may be exposed to similar issues, while establishing robust patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all enterprise infrastructure components.