CVE-2003-1200 in MDaemon
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in FORM2RAW.exe in Alt-N MDaemon 6.5.2 through 6.8.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long From parameter to Form2Raw.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1200 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the FORM2RAW.exe component of Alt-N MDaemon email server software versions 6.5.2 through 6.8.5. This vulnerability specifically affects the Form2Raw.cgi utility which processes email form data, creating a dangerous condition where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the application's handling of the From parameter, which is commonly used in email header fields. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, making it particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to potentially overwrite return addresses and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker sends a specially crafted HTTP request containing an excessively long From parameter to the Form2Raw.cgi interface. This malformed input causes the application to write data beyond the allocated buffer space on the stack, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it suitable for automated exploitation. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that MDaemon servers typically run with elevated privileges, potentially allowing successful exploitation to result in complete system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling remote code execution through web application exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1200 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise and potential data exfiltration capabilities. Organizations running affected MDaemon versions face significant risk of unauthorized access, as successful exploitation could provide attackers with persistent access to email infrastructure and potentially underlying network resources. The vulnerability affects email servers that process web-based form submissions, making it particularly dangerous for businesses that rely on webmail functionality or form-based email processing. Given that MDaemon was widely deployed in enterprise environments, the potential attack surface was substantial, with numerous organizations likely vulnerable to this remote code execution flaw. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill, making it attractive to both skilled and amateur attackers, and the lack of authentication requirements further increases its threat level.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1200 primarily involve immediate patching of affected MDaemon versions to the latest available releases that contain fixed implementations of the Form2Raw.cgi component. Organizations should also implement network-based restrictions such as firewall rules that limit access to the vulnerable CGI interface from untrusted networks. Additional defensive measures include monitoring web server logs for suspicious requests containing unusually long parameter values, implementing input validation at the network level, and considering the deployment of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why proper input validation and bounds checking are essential security practices, particularly in web applications that process user-supplied data. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected components within their email infrastructure and ensure that all systems are running patched and supported versions of software to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited.