CVE-2004-1143 in Mailman
Summary
by MITRE
The password generation in mailman before 2.1.5 generates only 5 million unique passwords, which makes it easier for remote attackers to guess passwords via a brute force attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1143 pertains to a critical weakness in the Mailman mailing list management system prior to version 2.1.5. This flaw specifically addresses the password generation algorithm used within the software, creating a significant security risk that directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of user accounts. The issue stems from the implementation of a weak cryptographic function that produces a limited password space, making it susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to mailing list administrative interfaces.
The technical flaw manifests in the password generation mechanism that produces only approximately 5 million unique password combinations. This finite set of possibilities creates a vulnerability classified under CWE-330 Use of Insufficiently Random Values, as the algorithm fails to generate cryptographically strong random passwords. The weakness directly enables brute force attacks where attackers can systematically test password combinations until they find a valid match for administrative accounts. This vulnerability represents a fundamental failure in entropy generation and random number generation practices, as outlined in the NIST SP 800-90 guidelines for random number generation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple account compromise, as successful exploitation allows attackers to gain administrative control over mailing lists and potentially access sensitive user data. Mailman administrators manage large volumes of user information including email addresses, subscription details, and potentially confidential communications. The limited password space makes this attack vector particularly effective, as the computational resources required to perform a successful brute force attack are significantly reduced compared to systems using properly randomized password generation. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1110.003 Brute Force: Password Guessing, where adversaries leverage predictable password generation to gain unauthorized access.
The risk assessment for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that Mailman was widely deployed in enterprise and organizational environments where mailing list management systems handle sensitive communications and user data. The combination of predictable password generation and the administrative privileges associated with mailing list management creates a high-value target for attackers seeking persistent access to organizational communication channels. Organizations using vulnerable versions of Mailman face potential data breaches, unauthorized modifications to mailing list configurations, and possible disruption of legitimate communication services. The vulnerability also exposes systems to potential lateral movement within networks where mailing list administrators might have access to additional resources or information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching to version 2.1.5 or later, which addresses the password generation algorithm by implementing proper random number generation techniques. Organizations should also implement additional security controls including account lockout mechanisms, multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts, and regular security audits of mailing list configurations. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated system to ensure that password generation now employs cryptographically secure random number generation as specified in NIST SP 800-90A. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring for suspicious authentication attempts and establishing incident response procedures for potential exploitation of this vulnerability.