CVE-2005-4568 in FTGate
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple format string vulnerabilities in FTGate Technology (formerly known as Floosietek) FTGate 4.4 (aka Build 4.4.000 Oct 26 2005) allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the (1) USER, (2) PASS, and (3) TOP commands to the POP3 server; and the (4) LIST and (5) AUTHENTICATE commands to the IMAP server.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4568 represents a critical format string vulnerability affecting FTGate Technology's email security gateway software version 4.4. This flaw exists within the POP3 and IMAP server implementations of the software, specifically targeting authentication commands that handle user credentials and mailbox operations. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling of format specifiers within the server's response generation logic, creating a pathway for remote code execution through carefully crafted malicious input.
Format string vulnerabilities occur when application code uses user-supplied input directly in format functions without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to inject format specifiers that can manipulate memory access patterns. In this case, the vulnerability affects multiple authentication commands including USER, PASS, TOP for POP3 server and LIST, AUTHENTICATE for IMAP server, where the software fails to properly escape or validate user input before using it in printf-style functions. This weakness maps directly to CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of user-controlled format strings in applications, and represents a classic example of how improper input handling can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system with the privileges of the running process. Attackers can exploit this by sending specially crafted format specifiers in the vulnerable commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the core email security functions of the FTGate appliance, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on this security solution for email filtering and protection. This type of vulnerability is categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting remote code execution through protocol manipulation.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the FTGate software to the latest version that addresses these format string vulnerabilities, as well as implementing network segmentation to limit access to the email server ports. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can detect malformed format string patterns in network traffic, and establish monitoring for unusual authentication attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and proper error handling in network services, particularly those handling user authentication data, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and vulnerability assessments in email security infrastructure.