CVE-2002-1580 in Cyrus IMAP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in imapparse.c for Cyrus IMAP server 1.4 and 2.1.10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a large length value that facilitates a buffer overflow attack, a different vulnerability than CVE-2002-1347.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1580 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Cyrus IMAP server software versions 1.4 and 2.1.10. This issue resides in the imapparse.c source file and fundamentally compromises the server's ability to handle malformed input data. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the server processes a large length value that exceeds the bounds of a 32-bit integer, creating conditions where subsequent buffer operations become exploitable. This flaw operates independently from CVE-2002-1347, indicating a distinct code path that attackers can leverage for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. The integer overflow occurs during parsing operations where length parameters are not properly validated before being used to allocate memory buffers, creating a direct pathway for buffer overflow conditions that can be exploited remotely.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the IMAP protocol parsing layer of the Cyrus server. When an attacker sends a specially crafted IMAP command containing an excessively large length parameter, the server's parsing routine fails to detect the integer overflow condition. This results in a situation where the calculated buffer size becomes negative or wraps around to a very large positive value, causing subsequent memory allocation to allocate insufficient space for the actual data being processed. The CWE-190 classification applies here as this represents an integer overflow vulnerability where the result of an integer operation exceeds the maximum value that can be represented. The flaw directly enables attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical program structures, making it a prime target for exploitation in remote code execution scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1580 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass full system compromise capabilities for authenticated or unauthenticated attackers. Remote exploitation allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the IMAP server process, which typically runs with elevated permissions to access user mailboxes and system resources. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on Cyrus IMAP servers for email services, as it provides a direct vector for attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive email communications and potentially escalate privileges to system-level access. The attack surface is broad since IMAP servers are commonly accessible over the internet and often serve as entry points for more extensive network infiltration campaigns, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where email systems are central to business operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1580 require immediate patching of affected Cyrus IMAP server versions with updated releases that properly validate integer inputs and prevent overflow conditions. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit direct access to IMAP ports and consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed IMAP traffic patterns associated with this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the need for comprehensive application security assessments and regular vulnerability scanning of email infrastructure. Additionally, implementing proper input validation controls, enabling address space layout randomization, and maintaining up-to-date security patches form essential defensive measures. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that track unusual authentication patterns and memory allocation behaviors that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust input validation in network services and the necessity of thorough security testing of protocol parsing components to prevent similar integer overflow conditions in other software systems.