CVE-2005-3133 in Mail Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in MERAK Mail Server 8.2.4r with Icewarp Web Mail 5.5.1, and possibly earlier versions, allows remote attackers to (1) delete arbitrary files or directories via a relative path to the id parameter to logout.html or (2) include arbitrary PHP files or other files via the helpid parameter to help.html.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2025
The CVE-2005-3133 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting MERAK Mail Server version 8.2.4r combined with Icewarp Web Mail 5.5.1, potentially impacting earlier versions as well. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the web interface components of the mail server software, specifically in the handling of user-supplied parameters that control file operations and inclusion mechanisms. The flaw manifests in two distinct attack vectors that together create a comprehensive exploitation pathway for remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to the underlying file system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits improper sanitization of input parameters within the web application's request handling logic. When processing requests to logout.html, the id parameter fails to properly validate or sanitize user input, allowing attackers to craft malicious URLs containing relative path traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that can navigate outside the intended directory structure. Similarly, the help.html component suffers from inadequate parameter validation when processing the helpid parameter, enabling attackers to inject arbitrary file paths that can be interpreted by the application's file inclusion mechanisms. These flaws directly violate security principles outlined in CWE-22, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3133 is severe and multifaceted, providing attackers with both destructive and reconnaissance capabilities. The first vector allows for arbitrary file deletion, potentially enabling attackers to remove critical system files, configuration data, or user information stored on the server. This destructive capability can lead to complete system compromise or service disruption. The second vector, enabling arbitrary PHP file inclusion, creates a more dangerous attack surface where remote code execution becomes possible if attackers can upload malicious files or if the server is configured to include files from user-controllable locations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries can leverage file inclusion vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on the target system.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal prerequisites and can be executed remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed mail server instances. Attackers can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond immediate file system access, as it can be combined with other attack vectors to create more sophisticated compromise scenarios. Organizations running affected versions should consider implementing network segmentation, firewall rules to restrict access to mail server ports, and immediate patching as mitigation strategies. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper access controls in web applications, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize defense in depth and principle of least privilege access controls.