CVE-2005-1657 in Mercur Messaging
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Mercur Messaging 2005 SP2 allow remote attackers to perform unauthorized file operations via the Folder.Id parameter to (1) deletefolder.ctml, (2) deletemessage.ctml, (3) origmessage.ctml, or (4) readmessage.ctml, the Message.Id parameter to editmessage.ctml, or the (5) Message.Command parameter to messages.ctml.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1657 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Mercur Messaging 2005 SP2 software. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's web interface, specifically targeting parameters used for folder and message management operations. The affected components include multiple .ctml files that process user-supplied parameters without proper sanitization, creating pathways for malicious actors to manipulate file system operations through carefully crafted requests.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of specific parameter values within HTTP requests sent to the vulnerable web application. Attackers can exploit the Folder.Id parameter in deletefolder.ctml, deletemessage.ctml, origmessage.ctml, and readmessage.ctml to traverse directory structures and access unauthorized files. Additionally, the Message.Id parameter in editmessage.ctml and Message.Command parameter in messages.ctml present similar attack vectors. These parameters allow remote attackers to construct malicious paths that bypass normal access controls and potentially execute arbitrary file operations on the underlying file system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass full unauthorized file system manipulation capabilities. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to delete critical system files, access sensitive data, modify configuration files, or even install malicious software on the affected server. The vulnerability affects the core messaging functionality of the application and could potentially compromise the entire server environment if proper access controls are not implemented. Organizations using this messaging platform face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential system compromise.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and parameter sanitization across all affected endpoints. The most effective approach involves filtering and validating all user-supplied input parameters before processing, ensuring that directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ are rejected or properly escaped. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and authentication mechanisms to limit exposure, while applying the vendor-provided security patches or updates. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation may involve executing commands through manipulated file operations, and T1566 Phishing, as initial access often occurs through malicious web requests targeting vulnerable applications.