CVE-2005-0322 in Mail Server
Summary
by MITRE
merak mail server 7.6.0 with icewarp web mail 5.3.0 and mail server 7.6.4r with icewarp mail server 5.3.2 uses weak encryption in the (1) users.cfg (2) settings.cfg (3) users.dat or (4) user.dat files which allows local users to extract the passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0322 represents a critical cryptographic weakness within the Merak mail server ecosystem, specifically affecting versions 7.6.0 with IceWarp web mail 5.3.0 and mail server 7.6.4r with IceWarp mail server 5.3.2. This weakness manifests in the improper handling of authentication credentials stored within configuration files, creating a significant security risk for local system users who can exploit this flaw to extract password information. The vulnerability stems from the use of weak encryption algorithms or mechanisms that fail to provide adequate protection for sensitive data, allowing unauthorized access to user authentication credentials. The affected files users.cfg, settings.cfg, users.dat, and user.dat contain password information that has been inadequately secured, potentially exposing user accounts to compromise and unauthorized access.
The technical flaw lies in the implementation of encryption mechanisms within the Merak mail server software, where the encryption used for storing user credentials is insufficient to withstand modern cryptographic analysis. This weakness directly relates to CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms, and CWE-310, which covers cryptographic issues in general. The vulnerability allows local users to extract passwords through direct file access, bypassing normal authentication mechanisms that should protect user credentials. The encryption methods employed are likely either outdated algorithms, improperly implemented cryptographic functions, or insufficient key lengths that make the stored passwords vulnerable to extraction and decryption attacks. This represents a fundamental failure in the security architecture of the mail server software, where sensitive data protection mechanisms are inadequate for the security requirements of modern email systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to user accounts within the mail server environment. Local users who can access these configuration files gain the ability to extract user passwords, potentially enabling them to compromise multiple user accounts and escalate privileges within the system. This vulnerability undermines the basic security principles of authentication and authorization, as the protection mechanisms designed to secure user credentials are fundamentally flawed. The impact is particularly severe for organizations relying on Merak mail servers, as it creates an attack vector that allows for unauthorized access to email communications, potentially leading to data breaches, privacy violations, and system compromise. The vulnerability also affects the integrity of the system's authentication framework, as it demonstrates a failure in implementing proper credential storage practices that should be considered fundamental to secure system design.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the Merak mail server software, implementing additional access controls to limit local system access, and reviewing the configuration of encryption mechanisms used for storing user credentials. The remediation process should include strengthening the encryption algorithms used for password storage, ensuring that cryptographic implementations meet current security standards and that proper key management practices are implemented. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files and establish regular security assessments to identify similar cryptographic weaknesses within the system. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices outlined in standards such as NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic key management and the OWASP Top Ten for secure coding practices. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation and the need for continuous security assessment and updating of security controls within enterprise email systems.