CVE-2005-2943 in XMail
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in sendmail in XMail before 1.22 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long -t command line option.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2943 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting the sendmail functionality within XMail versions prior to 1.22. This flaw exists in the command line argument processing mechanism where the -t option is handled without proper bounds checking. The vulnerability specifically manifests when a remote attacker crafts a malicious command line argument that exceeds the allocated buffer space, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the XMail sendmail component. When the application processes the -t command line option, it fails to enforce length restrictions on user-supplied input, allowing an attacker to overflow the stack buffer allocated for argument handling. This buffer overflow creates a condition where adjacent memory locations can be overwritten, potentially corrupting the program's execution flow. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack data structures and potentially gain control over program execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to email server security as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication. Attackers can exploit this flaw by sending specially crafted email messages or commands that trigger the vulnerable sendmail functionality. The impact extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects systems where XMail is deployed as an email server solution, particularly those that process email through the sendmail component.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically follows the standard attack pattern for stack buffer overflows, where attackers craft malicious input to overwrite return addresses and inject shellcode into the program's execution flow. This attack vector represents a classic example of the attack technique described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries gain access to system command execution capabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates how legacy software components can contain critical flaws that persist for years without proper security updates, highlighting the importance of regular vulnerability assessments and patch management programs. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including patching to XMail version 1.22 or later, network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for suspicious email traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing input validation controls at network boundaries to prevent malformed command line arguments from reaching vulnerable applications.