CVE-2005-3189 in WorldMail IMAP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Qualcomm WorldMail IMAP Server allows remote attackers to read arbitrary email messages via ".." sequences in the SELECT command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The directory traversal vulnerability in Qualcomm WorldMail IMAP Server represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary email messages through manipulated SELECT commands containing ".." sequences. This vulnerability resides within the IMAP server implementation and specifically targets the path resolution mechanism used during mailbox selection operations. The flaw allows adversaries to navigate beyond the intended mailbox boundaries and access restricted email content that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path sanitization within the IMAP server's SELECT command processing. When a client issues a SELECT command with directory traversal sequences such as "..", the server fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before attempting to access the corresponding mailbox paths. This lack of proper input filtering creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the server's path resolution logic and traverse to arbitrary directories within the email storage structure. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for email server environments.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability compromises the confidentiality and integrity of email communications stored on the affected server. Attackers can potentially access sensitive information including personal correspondence, business communications, financial records, and other confidential data that should remain private to legitimate users. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of the IMAP server, undermining the trust model that users expect when accessing their email accounts through secure protocols. Organizations relying on Qualcomm WorldMail IMAP Server for email services face significant risk of data breaches, compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to unauthorized access to stored email content.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and follows patterns commonly associated with improper input validation attacks. It also maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: Email Protocols, as it exploits weaknesses in email server protocols to gain unauthorized access to information. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to privilege escalation and unauthorized data access. The attack vector requires only network connectivity to the IMAP server port and does not depend on any specific user actions or social engineering techniques, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying vendor patches, configuring proper input validation on IMAP server configurations, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to email server services. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual SELECT command patterns, implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts, and conducting regular security assessments of email infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and path sanitization in server applications, particularly those handling user-provided data in protocol implementations. Regular security updates and vulnerability management processes are essential to prevent exploitation of similar flaws in email server implementations and maintain the security posture of email infrastructure.