CVE-2002-2074 in Mailidx
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Mailidx before 20020105 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the search web page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-2074 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Mailidx application prior to version 20020105. This vulnerability exists in the web-based search functionality of the mail indexing system, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the search parameter handling mechanism, allowing malicious users to inject SQL code directly through the web interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious SQL commands within the search parameters, potentially gaining unauthorized access to database contents, modifying or deleting data, and even executing administrative commands on the database server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it a prime target for automated attacks and exploitation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations relying on Mailidx for email management and indexing. The remote execution capability means attackers can compromise entire email databases, access sensitive communications, and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of email services, as unauthorized users could retrieve confidential information, corrupt database structures, or disrupt email operations entirely. Organizations using vulnerable versions of Mailidx face significant exposure to data breaches and system compromise.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2074 involve immediate patching of the Mailidx application to version 20020105 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Additionally, implementing proper parameterized queries and prepared statements in the application code would prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future deployments. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit access to the vulnerable search functionality, while regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify potential injection points. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect suspicious SQL command patterns and maintain up-to-date intrusion detection systems to identify exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage.