CVE-2014-0103 in Zarafa
Summary
by MITRE
WebAccess in Zarafa before 7.1.10 and WebApp before 1.6 stores credentials in cleartext, which allows local Apache users to obtain sensitive information by reading the PHP session files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0103 represents a critical security flaw in the Zarafa email and collaboration platform, specifically affecting WebAccess and WebApp components. This issue stems from improper credential storage mechanisms that expose sensitive authentication data to unauthorized local system users. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 7.1.10 for WebAccess and 1.6 for WebApp, creating a persistent risk for organizations utilizing these components. The flaw directly violates fundamental security principles by storing authentication credentials in plaintext format, making them immediately accessible to any user with local file system access to the Apache server hosting the application. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage of credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the session management level where PHP session files contain unencrypted authentication tokens and user credentials. When Apache processes web requests, it creates session files that persist on the file system in a readable format, allowing local users to directly access these files without requiring additional authentication or exploitation techniques. The cleartext nature of the stored credentials means that any individual with local access to the server can immediately retrieve valid login information for multiple users, potentially leading to widespread unauthorized access across the email system. This vulnerability operates at the operating system level rather than requiring network-based exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses traditional network security controls and relies solely on physical or local system access controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0103 extends far beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the Zarafa platform. Local attackers with minimal privileges can escalate their access to gain administrative control over multiple user accounts, potentially leading to data exfiltration, message manipulation, and complete compromise of the email infrastructure. Organizations may experience significant financial losses, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage if this vulnerability is exploited successfully. The vulnerability also creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the affected software versions are patched, meaning that any local user with file system access can continuously exploit this weakness without requiring additional tools or complex attack chains. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to malicious insiders who may already have legitimate local access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0103 must focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to the patched versions of Zarafa WebAccess 7.1.10 and WebApp 1.6, which implement proper encryption of session data and credential storage mechanisms. Organizations should also implement strict file system access controls to limit local user privileges and establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts to session files. Security configurations should enforce encrypted session storage and regular audit of file system permissions. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and privileged access management solutions can help reduce the attack surface and limit the potential impact of local access compromises. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential access through unauthorized access to credentials, and demonstrates the importance of proper session management as outlined in OWASP Top 10 security principles. Organizations should also consider implementing additional logging and monitoring capabilities specifically focused on session file access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.