CVE-2010-3460 in AXIGEN Mail Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the HTTP interface in AXIGEN Mail Server 7.4.1 for Windows allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a %5C (encoded backslash) in the URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2021
The CVE-2010-3460 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the AXIGEN Mail Server 7.4.1 for Windows implementation. This security weakness resides within the HTTP interface component of the email server software, creating an exploitable condition that enables unauthorized file access. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system processes URL requests containing encoded backslash characters, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths and gain access to sensitive system files that should remain restricted. Such directory traversal issues are particularly dangerous in mail server environments where sensitive configuration data, user credentials, and system information may be exposed through improper input validation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of URL parameters using the %5C encoding sequence, which represents a backslash character in web protocols. When the AXIGEN server processes these requests, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the input paths, allowing the encoded backslash to be interpreted as a directory navigation command. This improper handling of user-supplied input creates a path traversal condition where attackers can navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary files on the system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as a directory traversal attack, which is a well-documented weakness in web applications and server software. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal access controls and read files that are not intended to be publicly accessible through the web interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. Attackers can potentially access sensitive configuration files that may contain database credentials, encryption keys, or administrative passwords. In mail server environments, this could result in unauthorized access to user mailboxes, email content, and potentially the entire email infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the availability and integrity of the system, as attackers could also potentially modify or delete critical files. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication, making it an attractive target for automated scanning tools and opportunistic attackers. This weakness can be exploited through standard web browsers or automated tools, making the attack surface broad and the exploitation relatively simple.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3460 should focus on both immediate patching and defensive measures. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of AXIGEN Mail Server that properly validates and sanitizes input paths in HTTP requests. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the HTTP interface, particularly from untrusted networks. Input validation should be strengthened to reject or properly encode special characters like backslashes and forward slashes in URL parameters. The implementation of proper access controls and least privilege principles can help minimize the impact even if exploitation occurs. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns or attempts to traverse directory structures. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment), as attackers can use the information gained to further compromise the system. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks, while regular security audits should verify that input validation mechanisms are properly implemented and functioning.