CVE-2005-3344 in Horde
Summary
by MITRE
The default installation of Horde 3.0.4 contains an administrative account with a blank password, which allows remote attackers to gain access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3344 represents a critical security flaw in the Horde webmail application version 3.0.4 where the default installation includes an administrative account with no password set. This configuration creates an inherent backdoor that remote attackers can exploit to gain full administrative privileges without requiring any authentication credentials. The flaw exists in the application's default configuration rather than being a result of user misconfiguration, making it particularly dangerous as it affects all installations that do not explicitly modify the default settings. The administrative account with a blank password provides attackers with complete control over the Horde application, including access to all user mailboxes, configuration settings, and the ability to modify or delete sensitive data. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper authentication mechanisms that should be implemented in any web application.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the insecure default configuration practices within the Horde application's installation process. The flaw falls under the category of weak default credentials as classified by CWE-798, where default accounts with no passwords or weak passwords are provided in the application's default installation. This represents a failure in secure configuration management and demonstrates poor security by design principles. The vulnerability allows for remote code execution and privilege escalation without any authentication requirements, making it a severe threat vector that can be exploited from any network location. The blank password creates a persistent access point that remains active until explicitly addressed by system administrators, and the default nature of the account means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability regardless of the specific implementation details or network configurations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with immediate administrative access to the Horde webmail system, which typically contains sensitive user information including email communications, personal data, and potentially business-critical correspondence. The vulnerability can be exploited by any remote attacker who discovers the administrative account, making it particularly dangerous in public network environments where such information might be easily accessible. Organizations using Horde 3.0.4 without addressing this vulnerability face risks of data breaches, unauthorized access to user communications, and potential system compromise that could lead to broader network infiltration. The attack surface is expanded due to the nature of webmail applications which are often exposed to external networks and require minimal authentication for basic access. This vulnerability can be leveraged as a stepping stone for further attacks within an organization's network infrastructure, potentially leading to lateral movement and additional system compromises.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security configuration practices. The primary recommendation is to immediately set a strong password for the administrative account or disable the account entirely if it is not required for system operation. System administrators should implement proper access control measures and ensure that default accounts are either removed or secured with strong authentication credentials. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure configuration guidelines and conducting regular security assessments of installed applications. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of administrative interfaces and ensure that only authorized personnel can access critical system components. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates the necessity of proper security testing and configuration reviews during software deployment, as well as regular security audits to identify and remediate similar insecure default configurations across all installed applications and systems. The remediation process should include disabling unused administrative accounts and implementing robust authentication mechanisms that comply with industry standards for secure application configuration.