CVE-2005-0339 in Foxmail Email Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Foxmail 2.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long MAIL FROM command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0339 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Foxmail 2.0 email client software that exposes users to significant security risks. This issue specifically manifests in the handling of SMTP commands during email transmission processes, where the application fails to properly validate input length when processing the MAIL FROM command. The buffer overflow occurs when an attacker sends a malformed SMTP command containing an excessively long MAIL FROM parameter, causing the application to overwrite adjacent memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This fundamental flaw in input validation and memory management creates an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to compromise the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common software security weaknesses documented under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking is performed on data structures. The flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically within the SMTP protocol handling mechanisms that Foxmail employs to communicate with mail servers. When the vulnerable application processes the malformed MAIL FROM command, the excessive input causes a stack-based buffer overflow that can overwrite critical program execution data including return addresses and function pointers. This memory corruption directly enables attackers to manipulate program control flow and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass full system compromise capabilities that align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. Attackers can leverage this buffer overflow to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable Foxmail versions, potentially leading to data exfiltration, persistent backdoor installation, or lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where email clients are commonly deployed. Additionally, the vulnerability affects the integrity of email communications and can be used to disrupt legitimate email services, creating both immediate operational disruptions and long-term security concerns for organizations relying on the affected software.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling vulnerable Foxmail 2.0 installations and deploying patches from the software vendor when available. System administrators should also configure network-level protections such as SMTP filtering rules that limit command length and implement input validation for email protocols. Network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous MAIL FROM command patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in client-side applications, reinforcing industry best practices outlined in standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other email client applications and ensure comprehensive protection against similar exploitation vectors.