CVE-2004-2298 in Internet Messaging System
Summary
by MITRE
Novell Internet Messaging System (NIMS) 2.6 and 3.0, and NetMail 3.1 and 3.5, is installed with a default NMAP authentication credential, which allows remote attackers to read and write mail store data if the administrator does not change the credential by using the NMAP Credential Generator.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2298 represents a critical default credential security flaw affecting Novell Internet Messaging System versions 2.6 and 3.0, as well as NetMail versions 3.1 and 3.5. This issue stems from the default installation configuration where the system ships with hardcoded authentication credentials that remain unchanged unless explicitly modified by the system administrator. The flaw creates an inherent security weakness that persists across multiple product versions, indicating a systemic failure in the default security configuration management practices. The vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles by providing unauthorized access paths through predictable default credentials that attackers can readily exploit without requiring advanced techniques or specialized tools.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the NMAP (Novell Messaging Application Protocol) authentication mechanism where default credentials are embedded within the software installation package. When administrators fail to utilize the NMAP Credential Generator tool to modify these default credentials, the system remains vulnerable to remote exploitation. This represents a classic case of insufficient default configuration security, where the system's security posture relies entirely on administrator action rather than robust default security settings. The flaw allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to mail store data, enabling both read and write operations that can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of stored communications. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no local access or specialized knowledge beyond basic network connectivity.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on these messaging systems as it enables unauthorized data access and modification. Attackers can potentially read sensitive email communications, modify existing messages, or even delete critical data from the mail store. The implications extend beyond simple data theft to include potential disruption of business communications and compromise of organizational security. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions suggests that organizations may have been exposed to risk for extended periods, as administrators might not have been aware of the requirement to change default credentials or may have overlooked this critical security configuration step. This flaw can be categorized under CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments, as the default credentials can be used to establish persistent access to mail systems.
The recommended mitigation strategies involve immediate implementation of proper credential management procedures, including mandatory credential changes during initial system setup and regular security audits to verify credential configurations. Organizations should deploy automated tools to scan for default credentials and implement strict access control policies that limit administrative privileges. The NMAP Credential Generator tool must be utilized as part of the standard installation process, and administrative procedures should include mandatory credential rotation schedules. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts, while regular security awareness training should emphasize the critical importance of changing default credentials. This vulnerability underscores the necessity of defense-in-depth strategies where multiple security controls work together to protect against configuration-based attacks, and represents a clear example of how default security settings can create exploitable conditions that require active administrator intervention to resolve.