CVE-2018-7705 in SecurMail
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in SecurEnvoy SecurMail before 9.2.501 allows remote authenticated users to read e-mail messages to arbitrary recipients via a .. (dot dot) in the filename parameter to secupload2/upload.aspx.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7705 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the SecurEnvoy SecurMail email system prior to version 9.2.501. This security weakness resides in the file upload functionality of the application's web interface, specifically within the secupload2/upload.aspx component. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of filename parameters, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through the use of directory traversal sequences. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted requests that include .. (dot dot) sequences in the filename parameter, effectively bypassing normal file access restrictions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental flaw in how the application processes user-supplied filename data. When authenticated users submit files through the upload interface, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the filename parameter, permitting attackers to include directory traversal sequences that can navigate outside the intended upload directory. This misconfiguration creates a pathway for unauthorized access to email messages that should be restricted to specific recipients, as the application processes these traversal sequences without proper boundary checks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically affecting the file handling mechanisms of the SecurMail system's web components.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges and access confidential email communications intended for other users within the system. The ability to read messages addressed to arbitrary recipients undermines the core security principle of email confidentiality and can lead to significant data breaches. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on SecurEnvoy SecurMail for secure email communication, potentially exposing sensitive business information, personal data, or proprietary communications. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this weakness from outside the organization's network, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with remote access capabilities.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a variant of CWE-22 Directory Traversal, which is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework for path traversal attacks. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it requires authentication to exploit but allows for privilege escalation and unauthorized data access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patch for SecurEnvoy SecurMail version 9.2.501 or later, implementing proper input validation for all file upload parameters, and establishing network segmentation to limit access to critical email infrastructure. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and establish robust monitoring for suspicious file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.