CVE-2005-3155 in MailEnable Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the W3C logging for MailEnable Enterprise 1.1 and Professional 1.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3155 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Web-based logging functionality of MailEnable Enterprise 1.1 and Professional 1.6 email server software. This issue resides in the handling of log data processing within the web interface, where insufficient input validation and boundary checking allows malicious actors to manipulate memory structures through crafted log entries. The flaw specifically affects the W3C logging module, which is commonly used for web server log file generation and analysis. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted HTTP requests that contain overly long strings in log parameters, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where the attacker can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control flow data. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable adversaries to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The impact is particularly severe given that MailEnable servers are often deployed in enterprise environments where they serve as critical email infrastructure components.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the web logging module processes incoming HTTP requests containing log data. The vulnerable code fails to properly validate the length of input strings before copying them into fixed-size buffers, typically located on the stack. When an attacker sends a request with a log parameter exceeding the allocated buffer space, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame. This memory corruption can overwrite the return address of the function, allowing an attacker to redirect execution flow to malicious code. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible mail servers. The vulnerability is exacerbated by the fact that the affected logging functionality is often enabled by default and accessible through standard web interfaces, providing attackers with multiple potential entry points. The buffer overflow can be triggered through various parameters within the HTTP request, including user agent strings, referer headers, or custom log fields that are processed by the vulnerable logging module.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3155 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access for attackers. Once an attacker gains code execution privileges, they can establish backdoors, escalate privileges, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects both Enterprise and Professional editions of MailEnable, indicating a widespread exposure across different deployment scenarios. Organizations using these versions face significant risk, particularly those with public-facing mail servers or those that do not regularly update their software components. The vulnerability can be exploited by automated scanning tools that systematically test for common buffer overflow patterns in web applications, making it a target for both skilled attackers and opportunistic threat actors. Additionally, the nature of the exploit means that the vulnerability can be leveraged for privilege escalation if the web server process runs with elevated permissions, potentially allowing attackers to gain system-level access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3155 should focus on immediate patching of the affected MailEnable software versions, as vendors released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network-level controls such as firewall rules to restrict access to the vulnerable web logging interfaces and employ web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests. Input validation should be strengthened at all levels of the application stack, with particular attention to log parameter handling and length restrictions. System administrators should consider disabling unnecessary logging features when they are not actively required for monitoring purposes, reducing the attack surface. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in other applications and systems. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious log entries that may indicate exploitation attempts, as well as implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify the characteristic patterns of buffer overflow attacks. Organizations should establish regular patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to address potential compromise scenarios. Given the age of this vulnerability, it is crucial that organizations assess their current software inventory to identify any remaining installations of affected MailEnable versions and ensure they are properly updated or migrated to supported alternatives.