CVE-2006-4954 in Neon WebMail
Summary
by MITRE
The updateuser servlet in Neon WebMail for Java before 5.08 does not validate the in_id parameter, which allows remote attackers to modify information of arbitrary users, as demonstrated by modifying (1) passwords and (2) permissions, (3) viewing profile settings, and (4) creating and (5) deleting users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4954 represents a critical authorization flaw in the Neon WebMail for Java application that affects versions prior to 5.08. This issue stems from insufficient input validation within the updateuser servlet component, creating a path for remote attackers to exploit user account manipulation capabilities without proper authentication or authorization. The vulnerability specifically targets the in_id parameter which serves as a critical identifier for user accounts within the system's user management framework. The absence of proper validation mechanisms allows malicious actors to submit arbitrary user identifiers, thereby bypassing normal access controls that should restrict user modifications to only those accounts they are authorized to access. This fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture creates a severe privilege escalation vector that undermines the core security model of the webmail system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to perform a comprehensive range of unauthorized administrative actions against user accounts within the Neon WebMail environment. Remote attackers can modify passwords for any user account, effectively gaining unauthorized access to those accounts and potentially compromising the entire user base. Additionally, the vulnerability permits modification of user permissions, allowing attackers to elevate their privileges or restrict access for legitimate users. The flaw also enables viewing of profile settings for arbitrary users, providing attackers with sensitive information about system users and their account configurations. Furthermore, the vulnerability permits creation and deletion of user accounts, giving attackers complete control over the user management system. This comprehensive set of capabilities demonstrates a severe lack of input sanitization and access control validation within the application's core user management functions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of insufficient authorization checks that can lead to privilege escalation and unauthorized data manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-4954 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete compromise of user account management within the Neon WebMail system. Organizations relying on affected versions face significant risks including unauthorized account takeovers, data breaches through password modifications, and potential system-wide privilege escalation. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring any prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are accessible over the internet. Attackers can systematically target user accounts to gain access to sensitive email communications, personal information, and business data stored within the webmail system. The ability to create and delete user accounts introduces additional risks including account denial of service, data loss, and potential disruption of legitimate business operations. This vulnerability fundamentally undermines the trust model of the webmail system and can lead to cascading security failures throughout the organization's email infrastructure. The impact is consistent with ATT&CK technique T1078 which describes valid accounts usage and privilege escalation through unauthorized account manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4954 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and access control measures within the updateuser servlet component. The primary solution involves implementing strict validation of the in_id parameter to ensure that only authorized users can modify accounts they legitimately own or have administrative rights to modify. Organizations should implement proper authentication checks before allowing any user modification operations, ensuring that the requesting user has appropriate authorization levels for the target account. The application should enforce a principle of least privilege where users can only modify accounts within their assigned permissions scope. Additionally, implementing proper logging and monitoring of user management operations can help detect unauthorized access attempts and provide audit trails for security investigations. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to Neon WebMail version 5.08 or later, which includes proper input validation and access control mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to limit exposure to this vulnerability, while ensuring that all user management interfaces are properly secured through authentication and authorization controls. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing robust input validation and access control mechanisms in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive user data and account management functions.