CVE-2004-1673 in Web Mail
Summary
by MITRE
accountsettings_add.html in Merak Mail Server 7.4.5 with Icewarp Web Mail 5.2.7 and possibly other versions allow remote attackers to create text files with arbitrary content via the accountid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1673 represents a critical file creation flaw within the Merak Mail Server 7.4.5 system when integrated with Icewarp Web Mail 5.2.7. This issue resides in the accountsettings_add.html component which processes user account configuration requests. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or restrict the accountid parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary content into text files on the server. The flaw specifically enables remote attackers to manipulate the file creation process through web-based interfaces without proper authentication or authorization. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-22 which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks, and CWE-77 which addresses command injection vulnerabilities that can occur when user-supplied data is improperly handled in system calls or file operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the accountid parameter within the accountsettings_add.html interface. Attackers can craft malicious requests that bypass normal file creation restrictions and write arbitrary text content to files on the server filesystem. The impact extends beyond simple file creation as this capability can be leveraged to inject malicious code, modify existing configuration files, or establish persistence mechanisms within the mail server environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution capabilities through file manipulation, enabling attackers to potentially escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to the underlying system. This weakness creates a pathway for attackers to compromise the integrity of the email server infrastructure and potentially use it as a foothold for broader network infiltration activities.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1673 is severe and multifaceted within enterprise email environments. Organizations using affected versions of Merak Mail Server with Icewarp Web Mail face significant risks including unauthorized data access, system compromise, and potential data exfiltration. The vulnerability can be exploited without requiring prior authentication, making it particularly attractive to automated attack tools and malicious actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to email systems. Security professionals must consider the broader implications of such vulnerabilities within the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to techniques related to persistence and privilege escalation. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, as attackers can manipulate critical server configuration files and potentially establish backdoors for continued access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1673 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the latest security updates from Merak and Icewarp vendors. Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures at all application interfaces, particularly focusing on parameters that control file system operations. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit exposure of vulnerable web interfaces to untrusted networks. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the email infrastructure, with particular attention to file handling mechanisms and user input validation processes. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous file creation patterns and unauthorized modifications to system configuration files, which would indicate potential exploitation of this vulnerability.