CVE-2015-1503 in IceWarp Mail Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in IceWarp Mail Server before 11.2 allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a (1) .. (dot dot) in the file parameter to a webmail/client/skins/default/css/css.php page or .../. (dot dot dot slash dot) in the (2) script or (3) style parameter to webmail/old/calendar/minimizer/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2025
The CVE-2015-1503 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in IceWarp Mail Server versions prior to 11.2, exposing the system to remote code execution and information disclosure attacks. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the webmail application's file handling mechanisms, specifically affecting the css.php and minimizer/index.php endpoints. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate file path parameters and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem through carefully crafted malicious requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper sanitization for user-supplied input in multiple parameters. In the first instance, attackers can exploit a simple .. (dot dot) sequence in the file parameter of the webmail/client/skins/default/css/css.php page to navigate up the directory structure and access files outside the intended web root. The second and third exploitation vectors involve the script and style parameters of the webmail/old/calendar/minimizer/index.php endpoint, where the .../. (dot dot dot slash dot) pattern enables similar directory traversal attacks. These patterns bypass normal file access controls and allow unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially user information stored on the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable complete system compromise. Remote attackers can leverage these traversal flaws to access critical system files including configuration files that may contain database credentials, encryption keys, and administrative passwords. The vulnerability affects the webmail interface components, which typically run with elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to escalate their access to the underlying operating system. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, as attackers can systematically enumerate and access files on the compromised system. The exposure of sensitive configuration data could lead to further attacks including database compromise, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1503 require immediate implementation of the vendor-provided security patches and updates to IceWarp Mail Server version 11.2 or later. Organizations should also implement input validation measures at the web application level to sanitize all user-supplied parameters before processing file access requests. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block malicious traversal attempts. Additionally, implementing proper file access controls and privilege separation ensures that even if traversal attacks succeed, the damage remains contained. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing path traversal attacks that remain prevalent in web applications despite decades of known mitigation techniques.