CVE-2004-0152 in Emil
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in (1) the encode_mime function, (2) the encode_uuencode function, (3) or the decode_uuencode function for emil 2.1.0 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via e-mail messages containing attachments with filenames.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0152 represents a critical security flaw affecting email processing software, specifically emil version 2.1.0 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the email message handling capabilities of the software, where multiple functions responsible for encoding and decoding email attachments contain stack-based buffer overflows. The affected functions include encode_mime, encode_uuencode, and decode_uuencode, which are fundamental components in email processing workflows. These buffer overflows occur when the software fails to properly validate input lengths during the processing of email attachments, creating opportunities for malicious code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security. When email messages containing specially crafted attachments are processed by the vulnerable emil software, the buffer overflow conditions are triggered during the execution of the affected functions. The overflow occurs in the stack memory area where the software stores local variables and function return addresses, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can be exploited to manipulate program execution flow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it enables remote code execution through email messages with maliciously crafted attachments. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring any authentication or local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in email-based attack scenarios. The vulnerability affects the core email processing functionality, meaning any email message that triggers the affected encoding or decoding functions could potentially be leveraged for exploitation. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on emil for email processing, as a single malicious email could compromise entire email servers or systems.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, specifically targeting email servers and client applications. The attack vector involves sending specially crafted email messages that contain attachments designed to trigger the buffer overflow conditions during normal email processing operations. Organizations using emil versions 2.1.0 or earlier face substantial risk, as the vulnerability exists in the fundamental email handling code rather than in peripheral features. Security professionals should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious email traffic patterns associated with known exploit signatures for this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of emil software to version 2.1.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should also implement email filtering solutions that can identify and quarantine suspicious email attachments before they reach the vulnerable email processing software. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to ensure that all email processing systems are updated and properly configured to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of the email infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in security-critical software components, particularly those handling untrusted data from external sources.