CVE-2005-0367 in Argosoft Mail Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in ArGoSoft Mail Server 1.8.7.3 allow remote authenticated users to read, delete, or upload arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in (1) the filename of an e-mail attachment, (2) the _msgatt.rec file, (3) and the /msg, /delete, /folderadd, and /folderdelete operations for the Folder parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2019
The CVE-2005-0367 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in ArGoSoft Mail Server version 1.8.7.3 that fundamentally undermines the security boundaries of the email server. This vulnerability operates through multiple attack vectors that exploit insufficient input validation mechanisms within the server's file handling processes. The flaw specifically targets the server's handling of user-supplied filenames and folder parameters, creating pathways for authenticated remote attackers to manipulate the file system directly. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass arbitrary file operations including read, delete, and upload capabilities, making it particularly dangerous for email server environments where sensitive data is routinely processed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the server's failure to properly sanitize and validate user input before processing file operations. When an authenticated user submits an email attachment or interacts with folder management functions, the server accepts filenames containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) without adequate validation. This allows attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access or manipulate files in unauthorized locations. The vulnerability specifically affects operations involving email attachment filenames, the _msgatt.rec file handling, and various folder management operations including /msg, /delete, /folderadd, and /folderdelete endpoints. The root cause aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. These flaws typically occur when input validation is insufficient to prevent the use of special characters that can manipulate file system paths.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-0367 extends far beyond simple unauthorized file access, creating substantial risks for organizations relying on ArGoSoft Mail Server for email services. Attackers could potentially read sensitive configuration files, access other users' email attachments, delete critical system files, or upload malicious payloads to compromise the entire server infrastructure. The vulnerability's authentication requirement does not mitigate its severity since email servers typically contain sensitive data, and compromise of a single authenticated user account can lead to broader system infiltration. This type of vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers Valid Accounts and T1566 which covers Phishing, as attackers could leverage compromised credentials to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations using this mail server version face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0367 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and input validation improvements. The most effective solution involves upgrading to a patched version of ArGoSoft Mail Server that properly implements input sanitization for all file operations and path parameters. Organizations should implement strict input validation that rejects or strips directory traversal sequences from all user-supplied filenames and path parameters. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the damage if exploitation occurs, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized file operations can be performed through the mail server interface. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual file access patterns and ensure that email server configurations do not permit unnecessary file system access. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and email servers, as proper sanitization of user input can prevent exploitation of similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other systems. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for email server file operations and regularly review access controls to prevent unauthorized file system interactions.