CVE-2005-0315 in Magic Winmail Server
Summary
by MITRE
the ftp service in magic winmail server 4.0 build 1112 does not verify that the ip address in a port command is the same as the ip address of the user of the ftp session which allows remote authenticated users to use the server as an intermediary for port scanning.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0315 affects the Magic Winmail Server version 4.0 build 1112 FTP service implementation, representing a significant security flaw in network protocol handling. This issue resides within the server's FTP subsystem where proper address validation mechanisms are absent during the port command processing phase. The vulnerability specifically targets the control channel communication between FTP clients and servers, where the server should enforce strict IP address verification to maintain session integrity and prevent unauthorized network activities.
The technical flaw manifests as a failure in the FTP service's validation logic that governs the PORT command execution. When an authenticated user establishes an FTP session and subsequently issues a PORT command to specify a data connection endpoint, the Magic Winmail Server fails to verify whether the IP address provided in the command matches the IP address of the authenticated user. This lack of validation creates a scenario where malicious users can manipulate the FTP protocol to make the server act as a proxy for network scanning activities. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to leverage the server's legitimate network connectivity to perform port scanning operations against other network hosts without the attacker's direct network exposure.
From an operational perspective this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to network security infrastructure as it enables remote authenticated users to conduct indirect port scanning attacks through the compromised server. The implications extend beyond simple reconnaissance since the server can be used to probe network boundaries and identify open ports on systems that would otherwise be protected by firewalls or network segmentation. This capability allows attackers to map network topologies and identify potential targets for further exploitation while maintaining anonymity through the server's legitimate network presence. The vulnerability effectively transforms the compromised FTP server into a stealthy reconnaissance tool that bypasses traditional network security controls.
The security implications align with CWE-658 and CWE-310 vulnerability categories, specifically addressing weaknesses in cryptographic key handling and improper validation of input parameters. From the MITRE ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving proxy usage and network scanning activities under the T1090 and T1046 tactics. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform reconnaissance without direct network access, making detection more challenging and potentially allowing for extended reconnaissance periods. Organizations implementing Magic Winmail Server should consider this vulnerability as a potential entry point for broader network infiltration activities.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate server patching and configuration hardening to prevent unauthorized FTP access. Network administrators should implement strict access controls and monitor FTP session logs for anomalous port command usage patterns. Additional defensive measures include implementing firewall rules to restrict FTP data channel communication and deploying intrusion detection systems to identify unusual scanning behaviors. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and session integrity checking in network service implementations, particularly for protocols that handle network connectivity parameters. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities and establish comprehensive monitoring procedures for detecting unauthorized proxy usage patterns.