CVE-2005-1254 in IMail
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the IMAP server for Ipswitch IMail 8.12 and 8.13, and other versions before IMail Server 8.2 Hotfix 2, allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (crash) via a SELECT command with a large argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1254 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the IMAP server component of Ipswitch IMail versions 8.12 and 8.13, as well as earlier releases prior to the 8.2 Hotfix 2 release. This security weakness specifically affects the IMAP protocol implementation that handles email retrieval operations through the SELECT command. The flaw manifests when the server processes a SELECT command containing an excessively large argument, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote authenticated attackers to disrupt service availability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the IMAP server's command processing logic. When an authenticated user submits a SELECT command with a malformed argument exceeding the allocated stack buffer size, the excessive data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program execution structures. This buffer overflow condition results in unpredictable program behavior and typically leads to application crash or termination. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires authentication credentials to exploit, making it a remote authenticated denial of service vector rather than a completely unrestricted attack.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass broader security implications within email server infrastructure. Organizations relying on Ipswitch IMail servers for email services face significant risk of service unavailability when attackers exploit this flaw, potentially affecting business continuity and email communication workflows. The vulnerability's classification as a denial of service attack means that legitimate users may experience service interruptions, while the authenticated nature of the exploit requires attackers to possess valid user credentials, limiting the attack surface but not eliminating the risk. This type of vulnerability can serve as a precursor to more sophisticated attacks, as it demonstrates the presence of memory corruption flaws that may be exploitable for privilege escalation or code execution under certain conditions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1254 should prioritize immediate implementation of the official Ipswitch hotfix 8.2 Hotfix 2, which addresses the specific buffer overflow condition in the IMAP server implementation. System administrators should also consider implementing network-level access controls to restrict IMAP service access to trusted networks and IP addresses, while monitoring for unusual SELECT command patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should maintain comprehensive patch management processes to ensure timely application of vendor security updates. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, a well-documented weakness category that frequently appears in network service implementations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to the T1499.004 technique for Network Denial of Service, demonstrating how buffer overflow conditions can be leveraged to create service disruptions. Regular security assessments and code reviews focused on input validation and memory management practices should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other applications and services within the organization's infrastructure.