CVE-2002-1385 in Open Webmail
Summary
by MITRE
openwebmail_init in Open WebMail 1.81 and earlier allows local users attackers to execute arbitrary code via .. (dot dot) sequences in a login name, such as the name provided in the sessionid parameter for openwebmail-abook.pl, which is used to find a configuration file that specifies additional code to be executed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1385 represents a critical path traversal flaw within Open WebMail version 1.81 and earlier systems. This vulnerability specifically affects the openwebmail_init function which processes login names through the sessionid parameter in the openwebmail-abook.pl script. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-provided identifiers that are subsequently used to locate and process configuration files. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious login names containing .. (dot dot) sequences that manipulate the file system path resolution mechanism.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user input within the session management framework of Open WebMail. When a user provides a login name containing directory traversal sequences, the system fails to properly sanitize this input before using it to construct file paths for configuration file lookup. This creates a condition where an attacker can manipulate the path resolution to access arbitrary files or execute code within the application's context. The vulnerability operates at the file system level, leveraging the underlying operating system's path resolution behavior to bypass normal access controls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations deploying Open WebMail systems, as it allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires only local access to the system, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional network-based security measures. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise, especially if the web server runs with elevated privileges or has access to sensitive system resources. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-74 Injection flaws, both of which are classified as high-risk security weaknesses in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and code injection. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to system resources, potentially leading to persistent backdoor installation or data exfiltration. The vulnerability's persistence and severity make it a prime target for advanced persistent threats that seek to establish long-term access to compromised systems. Organizations should consider implementing input validation controls, restricting file system access for web applications, and applying immediate patches to address this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of Open WebMail installations to version 1.82 or later, where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and path validation. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as restricting file system permissions for web application directories, implementing input validation at multiple layers, and monitoring for suspicious login patterns. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can help detect exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized modifications have occurred to the application or its configuration files. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in preventing path traversal attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.