CVE-2012-1917 in AtMail Open
Summary
by MITRE
compose.php in @Mail WebMail Client in AtMail Open-Source before 1.05 does not properly handle ../ (dot dot slash) sequences in the unique parameter, which allows remote attackers to conduct directory traversal attacks and read arbitrary files via a ..././ (dot dot dot slash dot slash) sequence.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1917 affects the @Mail WebMail Client open-source implementation prior to version 1.05, specifically within the compose.php script. This represents a classic directory traversal weakness that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the application processes the unique parameter without proper sanitization of directory traversal sequences, creating an exploitable condition that adversaries can leverage to access unauthorized file system resources. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of ../ sequences, which are standard methods used to navigate up directory levels in file systems, but the implementation fails to properly sanitize these sequences during parameter processing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables attackers to construct malicious file paths using the ..././ sequence pattern, which bypasses standard directory traversal detection mechanisms. This particular traversal technique exploits how the web application processes the unique parameter in compose.php, allowing an attacker to manipulate the file path resolution logic. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges or authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by remote unauthenticated attackers. The flaw directly relates to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file reading capabilities, as it provides attackers with the ability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially user information stored on the server. Attackers can leverage this weakness to retrieve database connection strings, application configuration files, user credentials, and other sensitive data that may be stored in accessible locations. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly, as there are no effective client-side protections against such attacks. This weakness can be particularly devastating in environments where the web application has elevated privileges or access to sensitive data repositories.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file path construction. Organizations should deploy proper parameter validation that rejects or normalizes directory traversal sequences before processing them within the application. The implementation should follow secure coding practices that prevent path traversal attacks by ensuring that file operations occur within designated safe directories. Additionally, the application should enforce proper access controls and privilege separation to limit the damage that can be caused by successful exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers file and directory discovery, and represents a fundamental security weakness that requires comprehensive input validation and secure coding practices to address effectively. The remediation process should include thorough code review, implementation of proper path normalization, and deployment of web application firewalls to detect and prevent such attacks.