CVE-2006-7111 in KMail CGI
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Futomi s CGI Cafe KMail CGI 1.0.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and obtain unauthorized email access via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-7111 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within Futomi s CGI Cafe KMail CGI version 1.0.3 and earlier implementations. This issue resides within the email access control mechanisms of the web-based email client system, where the authentication process fails to properly validate user credentials or session tokens. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways could potentially be exploited to circumvent the intended security controls, making the vulnerability particularly concerning for administrators who may not have complete visibility into all possible exploitation techniques. The vulnerability falls under the category of weak authentication mechanisms, which is classified as CWE-287 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, representing a fundamental flaw in the system's ability to verify user identity and enforce access controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to email accounts without proper authentication credentials. This type of flaw typically arises from inadequate input validation, improper session management, or flawed authorization logic within the CGI application's codebase. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability through various methods including but not limited to manipulating session cookies, exploiting predictable authentication tokens, or exploiting weaknesses in the parameter handling mechanisms. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it could enable full email account compromise, including the ability to read, modify, or delete sensitive email communications. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and represents a breakdown in the authentication and authorization layers that are fundamental to secure web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-7111 is severe for organizations relying on the affected CGI email system, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of their email infrastructure. Unauthorized access to email accounts can lead to data breaches, corporate espionage, and the potential for further lateral movement within the network through email-based attack vectors. The vulnerability creates an entry point that could be exploited by threat actors to gain access to sensitive business communications, personal information, or confidential data stored within email accounts. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences if email account compromises occur due to this vulnerability. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or local network presence, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected CGI application to the latest available version that addresses the authentication bypass flaw. System administrators should implement additional security controls such as network segmentation, firewall rules to restrict access to the email system, and enhanced monitoring of authentication attempts. The principle of defense in depth should be applied by implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms, regular security audits of web applications, and comprehensive vulnerability scanning procedures. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious authentication patterns and ensure that access controls are properly configured to limit user privileges. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including credential access and privilege escalation, making it important for security teams to understand the broader attack surface implications. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched application to ensure that the authentication mechanisms function correctly and that no regressions have been introduced. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs are essential to prevent similar issues from occurring in other web applications within the organization's infrastructure.