CVE-2012-0417 in GroupWise
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in GroupWise Internet Agent (GWIA) in Novell GroupWise 8.0 before Support Pack 3 and 2012 before Support Pack 1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0417 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Novell GroupWise 8.0 and 2012 email server software prior to their respective support pack releases. This vulnerability exists within the GroupWise Internet Agent component which serves as the gateway for email communication between external clients and the GroupWise messaging system. The integer overflow condition occurs when processing certain data inputs that exceed the maximum value that can be represented by the integer data type, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior and system compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-190 as an integer overflow or wraparound, which is a well-documented weakness in software security that has been exploited in numerous high-profile attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves sending specially crafted data packets to the GroupWise Internet Agent service, which triggers the integer overflow condition during data processing. When an integer variable exceeds its maximum representable value, it wraps around to the minimum value, creating a scenario where attackers can manipulate memory layout and control flow. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for exploitation for execution, as it allows remote code execution through manipulated input processing. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the core internet agent functionality that handles external email communications, making it accessible to attackers without requiring authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system compromise to include complete network infiltration capabilities. Attackers who successfully exploit this integer overflow can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the GroupWise service account, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access. The vulnerability affects organizations using GroupWise 8.0 before SP3 and GroupWise 2012 before SP1, representing a significant attack surface for enterprises relying on this messaging platform. Organizations with email infrastructure exposed to the internet are particularly at risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without any prior authentication or access privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0417 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Novell, specifically implementing Support Pack 3 for GroupWise 8.0 and Support Pack 1 for GroupWise 2012. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the GroupWise Internet Agent ports, particularly those used for SMTP, IMAP, and POP3 services. Additionally, monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual traffic patterns or malformed email data that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and integer bounds checking in server applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability class.