CVE-2004-2584 in SmarterMail
Summary
by MITRE
frmAddfolder.aspx in SmarterTools SmarterMail 1.6.1511 and 1.6.1529 allows remote authenticated users to create a folder that SmarterMail cannot delete or rename via a folder name with a null byte ("%00"). NOTE: it is not clear whether this issue poses a vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2584 affects SmarterTools SmarterMail version 1.6.1511 and 1.6.1529, specifically within the frmAddfolder.aspx component. This issue represents a potential security flaw that could be exploited by remote authenticated users to create problematic folder structures within the email management system. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms that fail to adequately sanitize folder names containing null byte characters, which are typically used to terminate strings in various programming contexts.
The technical flaw manifests when an authenticated user submits a folder name containing a null byte character represented as "%00" in the URL encoding. This null byte injection allows the creation of folder structures that the underlying system cannot properly manage, specifically preventing the system from deleting or renaming these maliciously created folders. The root cause lies in the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user input, creating a condition where the null byte character is processed as part of the folder name without proper sanitization. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-170 category of improper null termination, which is a well-documented weakness in software systems that handle string manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability, while potentially limited due to the requirement for authenticated access, could be significant in environments where email management systems are heavily utilized. Attackers with legitimate user credentials could exploit this weakness to create persistent folder structures that interfere with normal system operations, potentially leading to denial of service conditions or data management issues. The vulnerability could be leveraged to disrupt email organization workflows, create confusion in user interfaces, or potentially serve as a stepping stone for more complex attacks within the email infrastructure. From an attack perspective, this issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as it involves manipulating system resources through legitimate user access.
The ambiguity surrounding whether this issue constitutes a true vulnerability stems from the fact that it requires authenticated access and may not directly lead to privilege escalation or data compromise. However, the potential for service disruption and system instability makes it a concern for system administrators. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices that could be exploited in combination with other weaknesses within the system. Organizations should consider this issue as a potential risk that could be amplified through social engineering or compromised accounts. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input sanitization, validating all user-supplied data, and ensuring that the system properly handles special characters in folder names. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust input validation as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and similar security frameworks, where improper error handling and input validation represent common attack vectors.