CVE-2011-0333 in GroupWise
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the NgwiCalVTimeZoneBody::ParseSelf function in gwwww1.dll in GroupWise Internet Agent (GWIA) in Novell GroupWise 8.0 before HP3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted TZNAME variable in a VCALENDAR attachment in an e-mail message, related to an "integer truncation error."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0333 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the GroupWise Internet Agent software developed by Novell. This flaw exists within the NgwiCalVTimeZoneBody::ParseSelf function located in the gwwww1.dll library, which forms part of Novell GroupWise 8.0 prior to the HP3 update. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing VCALENDAR attachments in email messages, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise email environments where such calendar data is commonly exchanged. The issue stems from an integer truncation error that occurs during the parsing of the TZNAME variable within calendar data, creating a condition where insufficient bounds checking allows maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the heap.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting a specially formatted VCALENDAR attachment containing a malformed TZNAME variable that triggers the buffer overflow when the GWIA processes incoming email messages. This integer truncation error effectively allows an attacker to manipulate the parsing logic in such a way that the program attempts to write more data into a buffer than it can accommodate, leading to memory corruption. The heap-based nature of the overflow means that the attacker can potentially overwrite critical program data structures, function pointers, or return addresses, which could enable arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the GroupWise Internet Agent process. This represents a significant escalation risk since the GWIA typically runs with elevated system privileges to handle email processing tasks.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0333 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for broader network compromise within organizations using vulnerable GroupWise installations. Organizations relying on Novell GroupWise for email services face substantial risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers need only send a malicious email to compromise systems, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where email remains a primary communication channel. Security professionals must consider the implications for email security posture, as this vulnerability directly impacts the integrity of email processing infrastructure and could be leveraged for persistent threats or advanced persistent attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of all affected GroupWise 8.0 installations to HP3 or later versions where the issue has been resolved. Organizations should implement email filtering rules to block suspicious calendar attachments or disable calendar processing functionality until patches are applied. Network segmentation and monitoring of email traffic can help detect exploitation attempts, while regular vulnerability assessments should verify that all GroupWise components remain updated. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a classic example of how integer truncation errors can lead to memory corruption vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to initial access through social engineering via email, and potentially to execution and privilege escalation depending on the system configuration. Security teams should also consider implementing email security solutions that can detect and quarantine malformed calendar data before it reaches the GroupWise processing layer.