CVE-2010-4717 in GroupWise
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the IMAP server component in GroupWise Internet Agent (GWIA) in Novell GroupWise before 8.02HP allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long (1) LIST or (2) LSUB command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4717 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting the IMAP server component within Novell GroupWise Internet Agent version 8.01 and earlier. This flaw exists in the handling of specific IMAP commands, namely LIST and LSUB, which are fundamental operations used by email clients to manage mailbox hierarchies and folder structures. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the GWIA's IMAP server implementation, creating a condition where maliciously crafted command parameters can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated buffer boundaries. When a remote attacker sends a specially crafted LIST or LSUB command containing excessive data, the IMAP server fails to properly validate the input length before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This overflow can overwrite return addresses, saved registers, and other critical stack data, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the GroupWise Internet Agent process. The attack vector is entirely remote, requiring no local access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the IMAP service is exposed to external clients.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully. The GroupWise Internet Agent typically runs with elevated privileges to handle email processing and network communications, meaning successful exploitation could provide attackers with access to sensitive email data, potential lateral movement capabilities within the network, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects organizations using legacy GroupWise deployments where patching may be delayed due to compatibility concerns or administrative oversight, creating extended exposure windows. Additionally, the attack can be automated and does not require sophisticated exploitation techniques, making it attractive to threat actors seeking low-hanging fruit in enterprise email infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patch for GroupWise 8.02HP or later versions, which addresses the buffer overflow through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the IMAP service to trusted networks only, reducing the attack surface for remote exploitation attempts. Monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual LIST and LSUB command patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, with intrusion detection systems configured to alert on command lengths exceeding normal operational parameters. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all enterprise email infrastructure components, as demonstrated by the ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploitation of remote services through buffer overflow vulnerabilities. System administrators should consider implementing network-based firewalls to restrict access to IMAP ports (typically 143) and ensure that only authorized email clients can establish connections to the GroupWise Internet Agent service.