CVE-2004-1720 in Mail Server
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) address.html and possibly (2) calendar.html pages in Merak Mail Server 5.2.7 allow remote attackers to gain sensitive information via an invalid HTTP request, which reveals the installation path. NOTE: it is unclear whether the calendar.html is an exposure, since the path is leaked in web logs that may only be available to the administrators, who would have access to the path through legitimate means.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1720 affects Merak Mail Server version 5.2.7 and represents a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system details to remote attackers. This vulnerability specifically targets two web interface pages: address.html and calendar.html, which are part of the server's web-based administrative and user interface components. The issue stems from the server's improper handling of invalid HTTP requests, where it inadvertently reveals the installation path through its response mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of information exposure as defined by CWE-200, which encompasses weaknesses that allow attackers to gain knowledge of system details that should remain confidential.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends malformed or invalid HTTP requests to the affected web pages. The server responds to these requests in a manner that includes the absolute file system path where the application is installed, typically in error messages or response headers. This occurs because the application lacks proper input validation and error handling mechanisms that would prevent such sensitive information from being exposed. The installation path disclosure represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with crucial information about the server's file system structure, which can be leveraged for subsequent attacks including directory traversal, local file inclusion, or other path-based exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks against the Merak Mail Server environment. When an attacker gains knowledge of the installation path, they can better understand the server's configuration and potentially identify other vulnerabilities or misconfigurations that may exist within the system. This information can be particularly valuable when combined with other reconnaissance activities, as it allows attackers to craft more targeted attacks against the specific server environment. The vulnerability affects the server's web interface components, which are typically accessible to external users, making this a remote attack vector that can be exploited without requiring physical access to the server or prior authentication. This represents a violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor security engineering practices in error handling and input validation.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK framework techniques, particularly those related to reconnaissance and credential access. The information disclosure directly supports initial access phases where attackers gather intelligence about the target environment. Additionally, this vulnerability can contribute to privilege escalation scenarios if the disclosed paths lead to other sensitive files or directories that contain configuration information, database credentials, or other valuable data. The fact that the vulnerability affects web interface pages means that it can be exploited through standard network reconnaissance tools and techniques. Organizations should note that this vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where the Merak Mail Server is deployed in production environments with sensitive email data, as the installation path disclosure can serve as a stepping stone for more comprehensive attacks. The vulnerability's classification as a remote information disclosure also means that it can be exploited by automated scanning tools, making it particularly dangerous in environments with limited network access controls or monitoring capabilities. Proper mitigation strategies should include input validation, proper error handling, and ensuring that error messages do not contain sensitive system information that could aid attackers in their reconnaissance efforts.