CVE-2008-0860 in AVG plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the AVG plugin in Kerio MailServer before 6.5.0 has unspecified impact via unknown remote attack vectors related to null DACLs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0860 resides within the AVG plugin component of Kerio MailServer versions prior to 6.5.0, representing a critical security flaw that exposes the email server to remote exploitation. This issue specifically relates to the handling of null discretionary access control lists within the antivirus plugin framework, creating potential pathways for unauthorized access and privilege escalation. The unspecified nature of both the exact impact and attack vectors suggests that the vulnerability could manifest across multiple operational scenarios, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on affected Kerio MailServer installations.
The technical flaw stems from the improper validation and processing of discretionary access control lists within the AVG plugin's security mechanisms. When a null DACL is encountered during plugin operation, the system fails to properly enforce access controls, potentially allowing malicious actors to bypass authentication mechanisms or escalate privileges without proper authorization. This weakness directly violates fundamental security principles of access control and privilege management, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the email server's security posture. The vulnerability's classification as a null DACL issue places it within the realm of Windows security model weaknesses, where null DACLs can grant full access to any authenticated user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling complete system compromise through remote exploitation. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gain administrative privileges, modify email content, access sensitive communications, or even establish persistent backdoors within the email infrastructure. Organizations using vulnerable Kerio MailServer versions face significant risks including data breaches, email spoofing, and unauthorized surveillance of communication channels. The remote nature of the attack vectors means that adversaries do not require physical access to the server, making the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise email environments where security is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0860 primarily focus on immediate software updates to Kerio MailServer version 6.5.0 or later, which contain patches addressing the null DACL handling issues within the AVG plugin. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit access to the mail server, particularly restricting direct remote access to the affected plugin components. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify any remaining exposure points within the email infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation and credential access, while also relating to CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing plugin-based security vulnerabilities.