CVE-2019-7214 in SmarterMail
Summary
by MITRE
SmarterTools SmarterMail 16.x before build 6985 allows deserialization of untrusted data. An unauthenticated attacker could run commands on the server when port 17001 was remotely accessible. This port is not accessible remotely by default after applying the Build 6985 patch.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7214 represents a critical deserialization flaw within SmarterTools SmarterMail 16.x email server software prior to build 6985. This issue falls under the category of insecure deserialization vulnerabilities, which are commonly classified as CWE-502 by the Common Weakness Enumeration. The flaw exists in the application's handling of serialized data objects, specifically when processing data sent through the SMTP service on port 17001. The vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the affected server, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive email data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of serialized data objects that are processed by the SmarterMail application. When the application receives data through port 17001, it deserializes this information without proper validation or sanitization. This creates a pathway for attackers to craft malicious serialized objects that, when processed, trigger unintended code execution. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it does not require authentication, making it accessible to any external party who can reach the vulnerable port. The default configuration of SmarterMail does not expose port 17001 to external networks, but administrators who have opened this port for legitimate purposes inadvertently create an attack surface that can be exploited.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to establish persistent access to the email server infrastructure. This can result in data exfiltration, email spoofing, server compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability directly maps to several techniques outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to command and control communications, execution through service manipulation, and privilege escalation. Organizations using SmarterMail without the patch may face significant security risks, especially in environments where email servers are directly exposed to the internet or where network segmentation is insufficient.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of the vendor-provided patch for build 6985 or later, which addresses the deserialization vulnerability by implementing proper input validation and sanitization. Additionally, network administrators should ensure that port 17001 is not exposed to untrusted networks, as this port should only be accessible from trusted internal systems. Implementing network segmentation, firewall rules, and monitoring for unusual traffic patterns on port 17001 can provide additional layers of defense. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and regularly reviewing system configurations to prevent unauthorized exposure of vulnerable services. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in preventing deserialization attacks, which aligns with security best practices outlined in various industry standards including NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 requirements for secure application development.