CVE-2005-1491 in Mail Server
Summary
by MITRE
merak mail server 8.0.3 with icewarp web mail 5.4.2 allows remote authenticated users to (1) move their home directory via viewaction.html or (2) move arbitrary files via the importfile parameter to importaction.html.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1491 represents a critical authorization and path traversal flaw within the Merak Mail Server 8.0.3 combined with IceWarp Web Mail 5.4.2 software stack. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient access controls that allow authenticated users to manipulate file system operations through specifically crafted web requests. The vulnerability exists in the web-based administrative interfaces that handle file management operations, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and potential data compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct attack vectors that leverage the web mail server's file handling mechanisms. The first vector involves manipulation of the viewaction.html endpoint where authenticated users can alter their home directory paths, effectively allowing them to traverse the file system beyond their intended access boundaries. The second vector targets the importaction.html endpoint through the importfile parameter, enabling users to move arbitrary files on the server's file system. Both attack paths demonstrate a lack of proper input sanitization and authorization checks that should prevent authenticated users from performing operations outside their designated permissions. This weakness directly relates to CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-79 Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, as it allows unauthorized file system manipulation and potential code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to move critical system files, potentially disrupting mail server operations or gaining access to sensitive data. An authenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access other users' mailboxes, or manipulate the mail server's configuration files. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on Merak Mail Server and IceWarp Web Mail for their email infrastructure, as it creates a persistent threat that can be exploited by users who have legitimate access to the system but should not be permitted to perform such administrative operations. The attack requires only authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by insiders or compromised accounts.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Merak Mail Server and IceWarp Web Mail that address the input validation flaws in the affected web interfaces. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the scope of potential exploitation, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous file movement patterns. Security professionals should also review and restrict user permissions within the mail server environment, ensuring that standard users cannot perform administrative operations that could lead to system compromise. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated software versions to ensure that the vulnerability is completely resolved without introducing new issues. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it exploits legitimate authentication mechanisms to gain elevated privileges, and T1566 Phishing, as it may be exploited through compromised user credentials obtained via social engineering attacks.