CVE-2004-2572 in Magic Winmail Server
Summary
by MITRE
AMAX Magic Winmail Server 3.6 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by entering (1) invalid characters such as "()" or (2) a large number of characters in the Lookup field on the netaddressbook.php web form, which reveals the path in an ldaplib.php error message when the ldap_search function fails, due to improper processing of the $keyword variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2572 affects the AMAX Magic Winmail Server version 3.6, representing a classic information disclosure flaw that stems from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms within the web-based address book functionality. This vulnerability exists in the netaddressbook.php web form where users can interact with the LDAP directory service through the lookup field, creating an exploitable condition that directly exposes system internals to remote attackers.
The technical flaw manifests when attackers submit malformed input to the Lookup field, specifically employing either invalid characters such as parentheses or excessive character sequences. The server's failure to properly sanitize and validate the $keyword variable leads to uncontrolled error propagation, where the ldap_search function encounters failure and subsequently outputs detailed error messages containing the absolute file path to ldaplib.php. This path disclosure represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the server's file structure and deployment environment.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to gain reconnaissance information that could facilitate further exploitation attempts. The disclosed path information can be leveraged to understand the server's configuration, file locations, and potentially identify other vulnerabilities through path-based attacks. The vulnerability operates under the principle of information exposure, where system internals are inadvertently revealed through error messages, making it easier for attackers to craft more sophisticated attacks against the affected system. This aligns with CWE-209, which categorizes improper error handling as a critical weakness that can lead to information disclosure.
The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires minimal sophistication to exploit, making it attractive to both automated scanning tools and less experienced attackers. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate error handling, which are fundamental security principles that should be implemented at the application level. The flaw essentially allows attackers to perform passive reconnaissance without requiring authentication or privileged access, creating a significant risk for email server environments where such information could be used to target other components or services within the same infrastructure. This vulnerability type is commonly associated with ATT&CK technique T1083, which focuses on discovering system information through directory and file listing activities, although in this case the information disclosure occurs through error messages rather than direct enumeration.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied data, particularly in areas where system functions are invoked. The server configuration should be modified to suppress detailed error messages that reveal internal system paths and file locations. Additionally, implementing proper error handling mechanisms that catch LDAP search failures without exposing sensitive information is crucial. The implementation of web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can help prevent malicious characters from reaching the vulnerable processing functions. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed, and comprehensive logging should be implemented to monitor for exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for web application components and ensure that error messages are generic and do not reveal system-specific information that could aid attackers in their reconnaissance activities.