CVE-2005-0314 in Magic Winmail Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in user.php in Magic Winmail Server 4.0 Build 1112 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the personal information fields.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0314 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Magic Winmail Server 4.0 Build 1112 email server software. This security weakness resides in the user.php script which processes user personal information fields, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content directly into the server's user interface. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the application's handling of user-provided data, particularly within the personal information collection forms that users encounter when managing their account details or profile information.
This XSS vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-79, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web output. The flaw allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers who view the compromised content, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of legitimate users. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no privileged access or authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can interact with the Magic Winmail Server's web interface. The vulnerability affects the server's user management functionality where personal information fields are processed, creating a persistent XSS condition that can be exploited across multiple user sessions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it creates a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks within the email server environment. Attackers can leverage the XSS condition to manipulate user sessions, redirect victims to malicious websites, or harvest sensitive information from authenticated users. The Magic Winmail Server's web-based administrative interface becomes a prime target for exploitation, as users may unknowingly execute malicious code when viewing compromised user profiles or personal information sections. This vulnerability directly impacts the server's integrity and confidentiality, potentially allowing unauthorized access to email accounts and sensitive organizational data that flows through the compromised server infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0314 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the Magic Winmail Server software. Organizations should immediately apply vendor patches or updates if available, as the vulnerability represents a known issue that was likely addressed in subsequent versions of the software. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional protective layers to detect and prevent malicious script injection attempts. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers and proper HTML encoding of all user-provided data can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should include regular inspection of user profile fields and personal information sections for suspicious content, while access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized personnel can modify user account information. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting and demonstrates the importance of defense in depth strategies for web-based applications.