CVE-2003-0267 in SLWebMail
Summary
by MITRE
ShowGodLog.dll in SLWebMail 3 on Windows systems allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files by directly calling ShowGodLog.dll with an argument specifying the full path of the target file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0267 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the SLWebMail 3 software suite for Windows systems. This issue resides in the ShowGodLog.dll component which is designed to handle logging operations but fails to properly validate input parameters. The flaw allows malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and directly request arbitrary files from the server filesystem by manipulating the argument passed to the ShowGodLog.dll module. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles of access control and input validation that are essential for maintaining system integrity and protecting sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization within the ShowGodLog.dll library. When the software processes user requests, it fails to validate or sanitize the file path argument provided to the ShowGodLog.dll module. This allows attackers to construct malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that can navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through direct HTTP requests or other means of invoking the vulnerable component, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal reconnaissance to identify and exploit. This flaw aligns with CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which specifically addresses insecure direct object references and path traversal attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-0267 extends far beyond simple information disclosure. Attackers can potentially access sensitive system files including configuration data, user credentials, application source code, and other confidential information stored on the server. The vulnerability enables unauthorized access to files that should normally be restricted to system administrators or authorized personnel only, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on SLWebMail 3 for email services. Depending on the server configuration and file permissions, attackers might gain access to database files, system configuration files, or even executable components that could lead to further exploitation. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1213 - Data from Information Repositories, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities and information gathering activities.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying vendor patches if available, implementing proper input validation at the application level, and restricting direct access to sensitive system components. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit directory traversal patterns. System administrators should also conduct thorough file access audits to identify and restrict access to sensitive files that might be accessible through this vulnerability. The remediation approach should follow security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 controls for access control and input validation, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before processing. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their email infrastructure.