CVE-2002-1710 in Basilix
Summary
by MITRE
The attachment capability in Compose Mail in BasiliX Webmail 1.1.0 does not check whether the attachment was uploaded by the user or came from a HTTP POST, which could allow local users to steal sensitive information like a password file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1710 resides within the BasiliX Webmail 1.1.0 email system, specifically within its Compose Mail functionality that handles file attachments. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that undermines the integrity of user data and system confidentiality. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation mechanisms that fail to properly verify the origin and authenticity of uploaded attachments, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's trust model.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the absence of proper input validation and authentication checks within the attachment processing pipeline. When users compose emails with attachments, the system should verify that files originate from legitimate user uploads rather than external HTTP POST requests that could be manipulated by attackers. The flaw allows local users to bypass normal security boundaries by crafting malicious HTTP POST requests that appear to originate from legitimate user sessions. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a form of privilege escalation through improper access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential system compromise and data theft. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access sensitive files that should normally be restricted to authorized users, including password files, configuration data, and other confidential information stored on the server. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where BasiliX Webmail is deployed with insufficient network segmentation and where local access to the system is possible. This creates a scenario where attackers with local privileges can exploit the webmail system to gain unauthorized access to sensitive resources that would otherwise be protected by proper access controls.
The attack vector for this vulnerability typically involves an attacker who has local access to the system or can manipulate HTTP POST requests to the webmail application. By crafting malicious requests that include specific file paths or by exploiting the lack of proper validation, attackers can cause the system to process attachments from unauthorized sources. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential access through phishing or other means. The system's failure to properly validate attachment sources creates a persistent security gap that can be exploited repeatedly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1710 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and access control measures. System administrators should ensure that all file upload mechanisms properly validate file origins and implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized file access. The recommended approach includes implementing proper authentication checks, validating file paths against expected user contexts, and ensuring that uploaded files are properly sandboxed or isolated from sensitive system resources. Additionally, network-level protections such as firewall rules and web application firewalls can help reduce the attack surface by limiting direct access to vulnerable components. The vulnerability underscores the importance of defense in depth strategies and proper separation of concerns within web applications to prevent privilege escalation through file handling mechanisms.