CVE-2003-1470 in MDaemon
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in IMAP service in MDaemon 6.7.5 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (crash) and execute arbitrary code via a CREATE command with a long mailbox name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1470 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the IMAP service of MDaemon email server software version 6.7.5 and earlier. This issue specifically affects the CREATE command implementation which processes mailbox names submitted by authenticated users. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and boundary checking when handling mailbox names that exceed predetermined buffer limits. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires only authenticated access to exploit, meaning that legitimate users with valid credentials can leverage this weakness to compromise system integrity.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from improper memory management within the IMAP service component of MDaemon. When an authenticated user submits a CREATE command with an excessively long mailbox name, the application fails to properly validate the input length before copying it into a fixed-size buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The attack vector operates through the standard IMAP protocol over TCP port 143, making it accessible to network-based attackers who have obtained valid authentication credentials.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates multiple security risks beyond simple denial of service. While the primary effect manifests as system crashes and service disruption, the buffer overflow condition also enables arbitrary code execution capabilities. Attackers can potentially inject malicious code into the memory space of the MDaemon process, allowing for privilege escalation and persistent system compromise. The implications extend to data confidentiality and integrity as compromised systems may be used to intercept communications, modify email content, or serve as launch points for further attacks within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on MDaemon for email services, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive email communications.
The exploitation of CVE-2003-1470 aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically covering privilege escalation and execution phases. The vulnerability can be categorized under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to MDaemon versions that address this specific buffer overflow issue, implementing network segmentation to limit access to IMAP services, and establishing robust monitoring for unusual CREATE command patterns. Additionally, network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect and alert on anomalous mailbox name lengths that could indicate exploitation attempts. The recommended remediation strategy involves applying the vendor-provided security patches, disabling unnecessary IMAP functionality, and implementing proper access controls to limit authenticated user capabilities within the email infrastructure.