CVE-2007-5466 in eXtremail
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in eXtremail 2.1.1 and earlier allow remote attackers to (1) have an unknown impact by sending multiple long strings to the IMAP port (143/tcp); (2) execute arbitrary code via a long string in an IMAP AUTHENTICATE PLAIN action, involving the ifParseAuthPlain function; (3) execute arbitrary code via a long LOGIN command to the admin interface port (4501/tcp); or (4) execute arbitrary code via a long string in an IMAP AUTHENTICATE LOGIN (aka CRAM-MD5 authentication) action, involving the ifProcImapAuth1 function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5466 represents a critical security flaw in eXtremail versions 2.1.1 and earlier, affecting multiple attack vectors through buffer overflow conditions that can lead to remote code execution. This vulnerability specifically targets the IMAP service and administrative interface of the email server, creating multiple pathways for malicious actors to exploit the system. The buffer overflows occur in different functions within the email server's codebase, each presenting distinct attack surfaces that can be leveraged by remote attackers without requiring authentication. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its potential to allow arbitrary code execution, which provides attackers with complete control over the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves multiple functions within eXtremail's IMAP processing code where input validation fails to properly handle excessively long strings. The ifParseAuthPlain function specifically handles IMAP AUTHENTICATE PLAIN actions and is susceptible to buffer overflow when processing long authentication strings, while the ifProcImapAuth1 function manages CRAM-MD5 authentication and similarly fails to validate input length. Additionally, the administrative interface port 4501/tcp presents another attack vector through long LOGIN command strings that can trigger buffer overflows. These buffer overflow conditions occur because the software does not properly validate the length of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size buffers, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5466 extends beyond simple service disruption to full system compromise, as remote attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to gain complete control over affected eXtremail servers. The attack vectors are particularly concerning because they target fundamental authentication mechanisms that are essential to email server operations, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized email access, data exfiltration, and potential use as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The unknown impact category for the IMAP port attacks suggests that the exact consequences of exploitation may vary depending on system configuration and memory layout, but the potential for complete system compromise remains significant. Organizations running vulnerable versions of eXtremail face substantial risk of unauthorized access to their email infrastructure, potentially affecting thousands of users and sensitive communications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to upgrade to patched versions of eXtremail, as no reliable workarounds exist for the buffer overflow conditions. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected ports and consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and can be mapped to ATT&CK techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any potential compromise and implement proper input validation mechanisms across all network services. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management and input validation in server applications, particularly those handling authentication protocols where buffer overflows can provide direct pathways to system compromise.