CVE-2005-3132 in Mail Server
Summary
by MITRE
MERAK Mail Server 8.2.4r with Icewarp Web Mail 5.5.1, and possibly earlier versions, allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to bwlist_inc.html, which reveals the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3132 affects MERAK Mail Server version 8.2.4r when paired with Icewarp Web Mail 5.5.1, presenting a significant information disclosure risk that could be exploited by remote attackers. This flaw exists within the web interface component of the mail server software, specifically in how error messages are handled when processing requests to the bwlist_inc.html file. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient error handling and improper security configuration that exposes system internals to unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the server's failure to properly sanitize error messages that are generated when processing direct requests to the bwlist_inc.html file. When an attacker sends a crafted request to this specific endpoint, the server responds with an error message that inadvertently includes the absolute file path of the system where the mail server is installed. This path disclosure occurs because the application does not properly validate or filter the input before generating the error response, allowing the underlying filesystem structure to be revealed to external parties. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure Through Output with Sensitive Data," and falls within the broader category of information disclosure flaws that are frequently targeted by attackers seeking to map network infrastructure and identify potential attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple path revelation, as it provides attackers with critical system information that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. The disclosed file paths can reveal the server's directory structure, which may include sensitive directories such as configuration files, database locations, or other system components that could be targeted for further exploitation. This information disclosure creates opportunities for attackers to craft more targeted attacks, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data theft, or system compromise. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not need physical access or local credentials to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) as attackers can use the disclosed information to plan more effective attacks against the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper error handling mechanisms and restricting access to sensitive system information. System administrators should ensure that all error messages are sanitized and do not contain system-specific information such as file paths or server details. The recommended approach includes configuring the web server to suppress detailed error messages in production environments and implementing proper input validation for all endpoints. Additionally, access controls should be implemented to restrict direct access to system files and configuration endpoints. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious requests that attempt to access system files directly. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed, and comprehensive security testing should be performed to identify similar issues in other components of the mail server infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive communications data.