GEN:SID | 1:2105 |
Message | IMAP authenticate literal overflow attempt |
Summary | This event is generated when a remote user uses the IMAP AUTHENTICATE command to send a suspiciously long string to port 143 on an internal server. This may indicate an attempt to exploit a buffer overflow vulnerability in the IMAP AUTHENTICATE command.
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Impact | Serious. Possible remote execution of arbitrary code, which may lead to a remote root compromise.
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Detailed Information | When a large amount of data is sent to a vulnerable IMAP server in the AUTHENTICATE command, a buffer overflow condition may occur. This can allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code, which may allow the attacker to gain root access to the compromised server.
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Affected Systems | Any operating system that runs University of Washington imapd version 10.234 and earlier.
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Attack Scenarios | An attacker can send a sufficiently long AUTHENTICATE command to the IMAP server, creating a buffer overflow condition. This can then allow the attacker to gain root access to the compromised server.
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Ease of Attack | Simple. Exploits exist.
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Corrective Action | Apply the appropriate patches for your operating system.
Check the host for signs of compromise.
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Additional References | Bugtraq http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/130
CVE http://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvekey.cgi?keyword=CVE-1999-0005
Nessus http://cgi.nessus.org/plugins/dump.php3?id=11073
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Rule References | cve: 1999-0042
nessus: 10292
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