CVE-2007-1029 in EasyMail Objects
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the Connect method in the IMAP4 component in Quiksoft EasyMail Objects before 6.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long host name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1029 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the IMAP4 component of Quiksoft EasyMail Objects version 6.4 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the Connect method implementation where insufficient input validation allows malicious actors to exploit memory corruption through crafted host name parameters. The vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking during string processing operations, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged for remote code execution. The flaw specifically affects the handling of host name data during the IMAP4 connection establishment process, where a sufficiently long host name parameter can overwrite adjacent stack memory regions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack buffer overflow pattern where attacker-controlled input exceeds the allocated buffer size in memory. When the Connect method processes a host name exceeding the predefined buffer limits, the excess data overflows into adjacent stack memory locations, potentially overwriting return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data. This memory corruption enables attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code into the target process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates in a network-facing component that handles remote connections, making it accessible to unauthenticated attackers without requiring any special privileges or local access. The flaw can be classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which directly aligns with the characteristics of memory corruption vulnerabilities that manipulate stack memory during program execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing Quiksoft EasyMail Objects for email server functionality or client applications that rely on IMAP4 protocol connectivity. The remote code execution capability means that attackers can potentially gain full control over affected systems, leading to data breaches, system compromise, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects both server-side implementations that process incoming IMAP4 connections and client applications that establish outbound connections to mail servers. Security professionals should note that the attack vector requires no authentication and can be executed from any network location, making it particularly attractive to automated exploitation tools. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within compromised networks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Quiksoft EasyMail Objects version 6.5 or later where the vulnerability has been patched. The fix typically involves implementing proper input validation and bounds checking for host name parameters in the Connect method, ensuring that string lengths are strictly enforced before memory allocation occurs. Network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for unusual connection patterns or suspicious host name lengths that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of vulnerable components and conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected systems or applications that might utilize the same vulnerable library. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the updated software to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in functionality while maintaining the security improvements. Additionally, organizations should review their incident response procedures to prepare for potential exploitation attempts and establish monitoring protocols that can detect anomalous behavior associated with this specific vulnerability pattern.