CVE-2010-0144 in IronPort Encryption Appliance
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the WebSafe DistributorServlet in the embedded HTTPS server on the Cisco IronPort Encryption Appliance 6.2.x before 6.2.9.1 and 6.5.x before 6.5.2, and the IronPort PostX MAP before 6.2.9.1, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via unknown vectors, aka IronPort Bug 65922.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0144 represents a critical security flaw within Cisco IronPort Encryption Appliance software versions 6.2.x prior to 6.2.9.1 and 6.5.x prior to 6.5.2, as well as in the IronPort PostX MAP before version 6.2.9.1. This issue affects the embedded HTTPS server's WebSafe DistributorServlet component, which serves as a critical element in the appliance's secure communication infrastructure. The vulnerability manifests as an unspecified weakness that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the system, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on these security appliances for email encryption and content filtering. The vulnerability was documented under IronPort Bug 65922, highlighting the specific nature of the flaw within the appliance's software architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability appears to stem from improper input validation or access control mechanisms within the WebSafe DistributorServlet component of the embedded HTTPS server. Attackers can exploit this weakness through unknown vectors that likely involve crafted requests or specific parameter manipulation within the web server's interface. The flaw essentially allows unauthorized file system access, enabling attackers to retrieve sensitive data, configuration files, or other system resources that should remain protected. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Path Traversal, where insufficient restrictions on file access allow attackers to navigate the file system beyond intended boundaries. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability exists in the HTTPS server component, which typically handles encrypted communications and would be expected to maintain strict security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data exposure, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of organizations using affected Cisco IronPort appliances. Remote attackers could potentially access sensitive email encryption keys, configuration parameters, user data, and other confidential information stored on the appliance. This capability undermines the core security functions that these appliances are designed to provide, effectively turning the encryption appliance into a potential data exfiltration point. Organizations relying on these devices for email security and content filtering would face significant risks including unauthorized access to encrypted communications, potential compromise of email infrastructure, and exposure of sensitive corporate or personal data. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the appliance, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with distributed or cloud-based email security solutions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0144 should prioritize immediate software updates to the affected versions, specifically upgrading to Cisco IronPort Encryption Appliance 6.2.9.1 or later for 6.2.x versions and 6.5.2 or later for 6.5.x versions. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of these appliances to untrusted networks, while monitoring for suspicious network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough security assessments of the appliance's configuration and implementation of additional access controls beyond the default settings. Security teams should consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain detailed audit logs of system access. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, as attackers could potentially leverage the file read capability to gather system information that could be used for further exploitation. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected systems within their network infrastructure that might share similar software components or configurations.