CVE-2004-2385 in EMU Webmail
Summary
by MITRE
EMU Webmail 5.2.7 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive path information (home directory) via an HTTP request for init.emu.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2385 affects EMU Webmail version 5.2.7 and represents a path traversal information disclosure flaw that enables remote attackers to obtain sensitive system path information. This vulnerability specifically manifests when an HTTP request is made for the init.emu resource, which inadvertently reveals the home directory path of the webmail system. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and improper handling of file path requests within the webmail application's initialization component.
This technical flaw falls under the category of information disclosure vulnerabilities and aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. The vulnerability represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with directory structure information that can be leveraged in subsequent attacks. The exposure of home directory paths can reveal critical system layout information including potential file locations, user account structures, and system organization patterns that would otherwise remain hidden from external observers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can use the disclosed path information to plan targeted attacks against specific files or directories, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data theft, or system compromise. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad by exposing system information that should remain private to authorized users only. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it accessible to any attacker with network connectivity to the affected system.
From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices. The recommended mitigations include implementing proper path validation mechanisms, restricting access to sensitive system information, and ensuring that initialization files do not expose system paths. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious requests, as well as conducting regular security assessments to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities. The flaw demonstrates the critical need for defense in depth strategies where multiple security controls work together to prevent information leakage. Additionally, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of system information through directory listing and path traversal methods, emphasizing the importance of securing file access controls and implementing proper access restrictions for system initialization components.
The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure configuration management and regular security updates in web applications. Systems running vulnerable versions of EMU Webmail should be immediately patched or upgraded to versions that address this information disclosure flaw. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual requests for initialization files that might indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. The exposure of system paths through seemingly innocuous HTTP requests underscores the need for comprehensive security testing that includes both functional and security aspects of web applications. Organizations should also implement proper logging and monitoring to detect and respond to attempts to gather system information through path traversal techniques.