CVE-2005-2549 in Evolution
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple format string vulnerabilities in Evolution 1.5 through 2.3.6.1 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via (1) full vCard data, (2) contact data from remote LDAP servers, or (3) task list data from remote servers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2549 represents a critical format string vulnerability affecting Evolution email and calendar client versions 1.5 through 2.3.6.1. This class of vulnerability falls under the CWE-134 software weakness category, which specifically addresses the improper use of format strings in programming languages like C and C++. The flaw manifests when the application processes user-supplied data without proper validation or sanitization, creating opportunities for malicious input to be interpreted as executable code. Format string vulnerabilities occur when programmer code uses functions such as printf, sprintf, or fprintf without properly controlling the format string parameters, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary commands.
The attack vectors for this vulnerability are particularly concerning as they encompass multiple data sources that Evolution commonly processes from external origins. The first vector involves full vCard data, which represents contact information typically exchanged between email clients and servers. The second vector targets contact data retrieved from remote LDAP servers, which are commonly used for centralized directory services in enterprise environments. The third vector involves task list data from remote servers, which could include calendar entries and scheduling information. All three attack paths demonstrate the vulnerability's ability to affect different aspects of the application's functionality, making it a comprehensive threat to system integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enabling remote code execution. When exploited, attackers can cause the Evolution application to crash and potentially gain control over the affected system. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it can be triggered through legitimate data exchange processes, making detection difficult and exploitation relatively straightforward. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for privilege escalation through format string vulnerabilities. The remote nature of the attack means that an attacker does not require physical access to the target system, and the vulnerability can be exploited through standard network communication protocols used by email and calendar services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2549 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Evolution versions, as this vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to Evolution client systems and consider disabling unnecessary data import features that could trigger the vulnerability. Input validation controls should be strengthened to ensure that all external data is properly sanitized before processing, with particular attention to vCard, LDAP, and task list data sources. Security monitoring should include detection of abnormal application behavior and crash patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments of email and collaboration applications, particularly those handling external data sources. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting controls and restricting the ability of users to import data from untrusted sources to minimize exposure to similar vulnerabilities.