CVE-2002-2410 in Open Webmail
Summary
by MITRE
openwebmail.pl in Open WebMail 1.7 and 1.71 reveals sensitive information in error messages and generates different responses whether a user exists or not, which allows remote attackers to identify valid usernames via brute force attacks and obtain certain configuration and version information.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2410 affects Open WebMail versions 1.7 and 1.71 through the openwebmail.pl script which exposes sensitive information in error messages and provides inconsistent responses to user existence queries. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that enables attackers to gather intelligence about the target system through passive reconnaissance techniques. The vulnerability operates at the application level and specifically targets the authentication and error handling mechanisms of the webmail system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper error handling within the openwebmail.pl script which fails to normalize error responses regardless of whether a user account exists or not. When an attacker submits authentication requests, the system generates different error messages and response patterns depending on whether the username is valid or invalid. This inconsistency in error handling creates a side-channel attack vector that can be exploited through systematic brute force attempts. The system reveals whether a username exists through variations in response time, error message content, or HTTP response codes, making it susceptible to user enumeration attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to enable more sophisticated attack vectors including account enumeration and reconnaissance for subsequent exploitation attempts. Attackers can systematically test usernames against the vulnerable system and use the inconsistent responses to identify valid accounts without requiring prior knowledge of user credentials. This information can then be leveraged for targeted attacks such as credential stuffing, password spraying, or further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also exposes version information and configuration details that could aid in identifying additional weaknesses within the system.
The flaw aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper error handling that reveals sensitive information, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1087.001 for account discovery through credential access methods. Organizations using affected versions of Open WebMail face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited by automated tools to rapidly enumerate valid users and gather intelligence for more advanced attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in error handling and authentication response design, where system responses should be consistent regardless of whether the requested user exists.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing consistent error handling throughout the application, normalizing all authentication responses to prevent user enumeration, and ensuring that error messages do not reveal system-specific information. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of Open WebMail or implement proper input validation and response normalization measures. Network-level protections such as rate limiting and access controls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though the fundamental fix requires addressing the root cause in the application's authentication handling logic. Regular security assessments should include testing for similar information disclosure patterns in authentication systems to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles.