CVE-2015-0878 in AL-Mail32
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in CREAR AL-Mail32 before 1.13d allows remote attackers to write to arbitrary files via a crafted filename of an attachment.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2018
The CVE-2015-0878 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in CREAR AL-Mail32 email client software versions prior to 1.13d. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses directory traversal or path traversal attacks that allow attackers to access files and directories outside the intended scope. The flaw manifests when the application processes email attachments with specially crafted filenames that contain directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar constructs. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to write arbitrary files to locations outside the intended attachment directory, potentially leading to unauthorized system access and data compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute malicious code or overwrite critical system files without requiring authentication or local access to the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the email attachment processing phase within the CREAR AL-Mail32 application. When an email contains an attachment with a malicious filename containing directory traversal sequences, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the filename before writing the attachment to disk. This improper input validation creates a path traversal condition where the application interprets the crafted filename as a path specification rather than a simple filename. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution vector because successful exploitation can result in arbitrary file creation, modification, or deletion in directories accessible to the application process. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no local system access, making it highly attractive to remote attackers who can leverage this vulnerability through email communication channels.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0878 extends beyond simple file system manipulation to encompass broader security implications for email infrastructure and network security. Organizations using vulnerable versions of CREAR AL-Mail32 face significant risks including potential data exfiltration, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on email servers. The vulnerability enables attackers to potentially overwrite system binaries, create backdoors, or establish persistent access points within the network. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in email clients to gain unauthorized access to systems. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where email servers serve as critical infrastructure components and may contain sensitive corporate data or serve as entry points to broader network resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0878 should focus on immediate software updates and comprehensive input validation implementation. Organizations must upgrade to CREAR AL-Mail32 version 1.13d or later, which includes proper filename sanitization and validation mechanisms. System administrators should implement additional protective measures including email content filtering, attachment scanning, and network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in applications handling user-supplied data. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar issues in other email client software and ensure comprehensive protection against directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and proper software maintenance practices in enterprise email infrastructure.