CVE-2018-0702 in Mailwise
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Cybozu Mailwise 5.0.0 to 5.4.5 allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2020
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0702 affects Cybozu Mailwise versions 5.0.0 through 5.4.5, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute unauthorized file deletion operations. This vulnerability resides within the file handling mechanisms of the email security appliance, specifically targeting the way the system processes user-supplied input that controls file access paths. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate beyond intended directories and access restricted file systems. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-22 which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. These attacks exploit insufficient input validation in applications that handle file operations, enabling attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration. Remote attackers could leverage this weakness to remove critical system files, configuration data, or user information stored within the Mailwise appliance. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple attack surfaces within the application could be exploited, potentially including web interfaces, API endpoints, or file upload functionalities. Attackers might combine this vulnerability with other techniques to escalate privileges or gain deeper system access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where email security appliances serve as critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations relying on Cybozu Mailwise for email filtering and security, as it could enable attackers to disrupt email services, access sensitive communications, or use the appliance as a foothold for further network infiltration.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a prime example of how inadequate input sanitization can create severe operational risks in email security solutions. The attack surface for this vulnerability likely includes any functionality that accepts user input for file operations or path specifications, potentially affecting backup systems, log files, or configuration repositories within the appliance. Organizations using affected versions should immediately implement mitigations including access controls, network segmentation, and input validation measures to prevent exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts, as attackers may need to establish persistent access after initial exploitation. Remediation efforts should focus on upgrading to patched versions of Cybozu Mailwise, implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls, and conducting thorough security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should review their incident response procedures to ensure proper detection and handling of potential directory traversal attacks targeting email security infrastructure.