CVE-2010-2777 in GroupWise
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the IMAP server component in GroupWise Internet Agent (GWIA) in Novell GroupWise 7.x before 7.0 post-SP4 FTF and 8.x before 8.0 SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long mailbox name in a CREATE command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-2777 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting the IMAP server component within Novell GroupWise Internet Agent version 7.x prior to post-SP4 FTF and 8.x prior to SP2. This flaw exists in the GroupWise Internet Agent's handling of mailbox names during IMAP CREATE command processing, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution. The vulnerability specifically targets the IMAP server functionality that manages mailbox creation operations, making it particularly dangerous in environments where external users can interact with the messaging system through IMAP protocols.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the GroupWise Internet Agent's IMAP server component. When processing a CREATE command with an excessively long mailbox name, the application fails to properly bounds-check the input data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs because the application assumes that mailbox names will not exceed a certain length, but does not enforce this limitation through proper validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious mailbox name that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing adjacent memory to be overwritten and potentially allowing arbitrary code execution. According to CWE-121, this vulnerability maps directly to stack-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking allows data to overflow into adjacent memory regions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the GroupWise Internet Agent process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions. This access could enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges further within the network, or access sensitive email data stored within the GroupWise environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where GroupWise serves as a critical messaging infrastructure component, as successful exploitation could lead to widespread data breaches and system compromise. The attack vector requires only a single IMAP connection with a specially crafted mailbox name, making it relatively simple to exploit in practice.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches that address the buffer overflow condition in GroupWise Internet Agent versions 7.0 post-SP4 FTF and 8.0 SP2. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to IMAP ports from untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual mailbox creation patterns. According to ATT&CK framework technique T1059.007, this vulnerability could be exploited for command and control activities once initial access is gained, making proactive detection and response measures critical. Additionally, implementing input validation controls at network boundaries and conducting regular security assessments of messaging infrastructure can help prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper bounds checking in network services and highlights the need for regular security updates to address known weaknesses in enterprise messaging platforms.