CVE-2010-4713 in GroupWise
Summary
by MITRE
Integer signedness error in gwia.exe in GroupWise Internet Agent (GWIA) in Novell GroupWise before 8.02HP allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a signed integer value in the Content-Type header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4713 represents a critical integer signedness error within the GroupWise Internet Agent component of Novell GroupWise email infrastructure. This flaw exists in the gwia.exe executable and affects versions prior to 8.02HP, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on Novell GroupWise email services. The vulnerability manifests when processing email messages through the Content-Type header, where a maliciously crafted signed integer value can trigger unexpected behavior in the application's memory management routines. This type of error falls under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, specifically involving signed integer handling that can lead to buffer overflows and arbitrary code execution. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of integer values within the Content-Type header processing logic of the GWIA component. When the application encounters a signed integer value that exceeds the maximum representable value for the data type, it can cause the integer to wrap around to a negative value or corrupt memory structures. This occurs because the application fails to properly validate that integer values fall within expected ranges before using them in memory allocation or buffer operations. The flaw particularly affects scenarios where the application uses these integer values to determine buffer sizes or array indices, creating opportunities for stack or heap corruption that attackers can exploit to inject and execute malicious code. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute code remotely.
Organizations utilizing affected GroupWise versions face severe operational risks including potential complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized access to email infrastructure. The remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for email servers that are exposed to external networks. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential lateral movement within networks, as compromised email servers often serve as entry points for broader attacks. Security teams must also consider the potential for this vulnerability to be used in conjunction with other attack vectors, such as phishing campaigns that leverage the compromised email infrastructure for further malicious activities. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it in the highest severity category according to standard risk assessment frameworks, requiring immediate attention and remediation. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for exploitation attempts and ensure timely deployment of Novell's security patches addressing this specific integer signedness error in the GWIA component.