CVE-2011-2663 in GroupWise
Summary
by MITRE
Array index error in GroupWise Internet Agent (GWIA) in Novell GroupWise 8.0 before HP3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted yearly RRULE variable in a VCALENDAR attachment in an e-mail message.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2663 represents a critical array index error within the GroupWise Internet Agent component of Novell GroupWise 8.0 before hotpatch level three. This flaw exists in the processing of iCalendar VCALENDAR attachments within email messages, specifically when handling the yearly recurrence rule (RRULE) parameter. The vulnerability falls under the category of buffer overflows and memory corruption issues, which are classified as CWE-129 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The GroupWise Internet Agent serves as a critical email gateway component that processes incoming and outgoing email messages, making it a prime target for remote exploitation. When a maliciously crafted email containing a specially formatted VCALENDAR attachment is received, the agent fails to properly validate the array bounds during parsing of the RRULE variable, leading to potential memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it allows remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on systems running the affected GroupWise Internet Agent. This represents a severe privilege escalation vector that could enable attackers to take full control of email servers and potentially compromise the entire email infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that email remains one of the primary attack vectors in enterprise environments, with the vulnerability being exploitable through simple email delivery without requiring any authentication or specialized access. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it targets a publicly accessible email processing component that accepts external input from untrusted sources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires crafting a malicious VCALENDAR attachment with a malformed yearly RRULE parameter that causes the array index to exceed valid memory boundaries during parsing operations. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when input validation is insufficient and the application does not properly check array bounds before accessing memory locations. The GroupWise Internet Agent's failure to implement proper bounds checking during calendar data parsing creates a condition where an attacker can manipulate the parsing logic to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to code execution. Mitigation strategies should include immediate installation of the vendor-provided security patch that addresses the array index error and implements proper input validation for calendar data processing. Organizations should also consider implementing email filtering rules that block suspicious VCALENDAR attachments and restrict access to the GroupWise Internet Agent from untrusted networks. Additionally, regular security assessments and monitoring for anomalous email processing behavior can help detect exploitation attempts before they succeed. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in email processing components, as highlighted by CWE-129 and similar memory safety issues that have plagued enterprise email systems throughout the years.