CVE-2008-0946 in Instant Messaging
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the IM Server (aka IMserve or IMserver) in Ipswitch Instant Messaging (IM) 2.0.8.1 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to create arbitrary empty files via a .. (dot dot) in the recipient field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0946 represents a directory traversal flaw within the Ipswitch Instant Messaging server software, specifically affecting versions 2.0.8.1 and earlier. This issue resides in the IM Server component, also known as IMserve or IMserver, which forms part of the Ipswitch Instant Messaging suite. The vulnerability manifests when the server processes messages with specially crafted recipient fields containing directory traversal sequences. The flaw allows authenticated remote attackers to manipulate the file system by creating arbitrary empty files in unintended locations, potentially leading to system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the recipient field parameter within the messaging protocol. When the IM server processes a message with a recipient field containing ".." sequences, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in file system operations. This improper input validation creates a path traversal condition where the server interprets the directory traversal sequences as legitimate path navigation commands rather than malicious input. The vulnerability specifically affects the file creation functionality, enabling attackers to place empty files in arbitrary locations on the server filesystem, which can be leveraged to establish persistent access or disrupt system operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant security risks to organizations relying on Ipswitch Instant Messaging systems. The ability to create arbitrary empty files allows attackers to potentially overwrite critical system files, establish backdoors, or create symbolic links that could be exploited in subsequent attacks. The authenticated nature of the vulnerability means that an attacker must first obtain valid credentials, but this requirement does not significantly reduce the risk since many organizations have weak credential practices or may experience credential theft through other vectors. The vulnerability could also be combined with other exploits to escalate privileges or gain deeper system access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where the IM server may have elevated system permissions.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to the latest version of Ipswitch Instant Messaging that contains patches for this vulnerability, as well as implementing network segmentation to limit access to the IM server to only authorized users and systems. Input validation measures should be strengthened to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed in recipient fields, and administrators should conduct thorough security audits to identify any unauthorized files created as a result of this vulnerability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and may be exploited through techniques consistent with ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and persistence. Regular monitoring of system logs for unusual file creation patterns and implementing proper access controls can help detect and prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.