CVE-2005-1015 in Imapd
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in MailEnable Imapd (MEIMAP.exe) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long LOGIN command.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1015 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the MailEnable IMAP server component known as MEIMAP.exe. This issue affects the IMAP4 server implementation that processes incoming authentication requests from remote clients. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the LOGIN command processing functionality, where the application fails to properly bounds-check user-supplied data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. When a remote attacker sends a specially crafted LOGIN command containing excessive data, the application overflows the allocated buffer space and subsequently overwrites adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data structures. This memory corruption enables attackers to manipulate the program execution flow and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the IMAP server process.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw specifically manifests in the IMAP server's command parsing logic where user input is directly copied without proper validation of length constraints. The operational impact extends beyond simple code execution as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for internet-facing mail servers. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to mail server resources, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or use as a foothold for further network infiltration activities.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on MailEnable IMAP services, particularly those with exposed mail servers on public networks. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials. The attack vector specifically targets the authentication phase of IMAP communications, making it particularly insidious as it can be used to gain access to legitimate user mailboxes and potentially compromise email communications across the entire organization. Organizations running vulnerable versions of MailEnable are at risk of unauthorized data access, message interception, and potential use as a pivot point for broader network attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1015 should prioritize immediate patch application from MailEnable vendors as the primary defense mechanism. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit direct exposure of IMAP servers to untrusted networks and consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious LOGIN command patterns. The implementation of input validation controls and application-level firewalls can provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of MailEnable installations and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers leverage exposed services to gain initial access. Regular security monitoring and log analysis should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, while network access controls should be configured to restrict unnecessary access to IMAP services. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in server applications, as outlined in various security standards including those referenced in OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.