CVE-2005-1682 in internet mail server
Summary
by MITRE
** disputed ** javamail api as used by solstice internet mail server pop3 2.0 does not properly validate the message number in the mimemessage constructor in javax.mail.internet.internetheaders which allows remote authenticated users to read other users e-mail messages by modifying the msgno parameter. note: sun disputes this issue stating "the report makes references to source code and files that do not exist in the mentioned products."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1682 pertains to a security flaw in the JavaMail API implementation within the Solstice Internet Mail Server POP3 2.0 product. This issue represents a classic access control vulnerability where the system fails to properly validate user input parameters during message processing operations. The flaw specifically manifests in the MimeMessage constructor within the javax.mail.internet.InternetHeaders class, where the message number parameter lacks adequate validation mechanisms. Security researchers have documented that authenticated remote attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the msgno parameter to access email messages belonging to other users within the same mail server environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the JavaMail API's message handling components. When a user attempts to access a specific email message through the POP3 protocol, the system should validate that the requested message number corresponds to messages owned by the authenticated user. However, the Solstice Internet Mail Server POP3 2.0 implementation fails to perform this critical validation check, allowing attackers to traverse message boundaries and access unauthorized email content. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor input sanitization practices in the mail server's message retrieval mechanisms.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for organizations relying on the Solstice Internet Mail Server POP3 2.0 platform. The ability for authenticated users to read other users' email messages compromises the confidentiality of email communications and violates user privacy expectations. The attack vector requires only authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by malicious insiders or compromised user accounts. The vulnerability essentially allows for unauthorized information disclosure and could potentially lead to data breaches, privacy violations, and compliance issues under various regulatory frameworks including those governing email privacy and data protection.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software systems. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1078, which covers legitimate credentials and valid accounts for maintaining access to systems. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, monitoring for unusual message access patterns, and ensuring proper access controls are in place. Additionally, the disputed nature of this CVE as noted by Sun Microsystems indicates that there may be inconsistencies in the original reporting or that the vulnerability may not exist in the specific versions referenced, highlighting the importance of thorough verification before implementing any fixes.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability should involve updating to patched versions of the Solstice Internet Mail Server POP3 2.0 software or implementing additional validation layers within the mail server configuration. Organizations should also consider implementing logging mechanisms to detect and alert on suspicious message access patterns. Given the disputed status of the CVE, security teams should verify the actual presence of the vulnerability in their specific environments through source code analysis or penetration testing activities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in email server implementations, particularly in systems handling sensitive communications.