Source: cve@mitre.org
ReadMessage.jsp in JavaMail API 1.1.3 through 1.3, as used by Apache Tomcat 5.0.16, allows remote attackers to view other users' e-mail attachments via a direct request to /mailboxesdir/username@domainname. NOTE: Sun and Apache dispute this issue. Sun states: "The report makes references to source code and files that do not exist in the mentioned products.
CVE-2005-1753 exposes a critical vulnerability in JavaMail API, potentially allowing unauthorized access to user email attachments. This vulnerability, present in older versions of Apache Tomcat and JavaMail, allows remote attackers to bypass security measures and view sensitive information, posing a significant data breach risk. The dispute between Sun and Apache highlights the complexity of the issue, but the potential impact remains severe.
Step 1: Target Identification: The attacker identifies a vulnerable Apache Tomcat server using JavaMail API, likely running a version within the affected range.
Step 2: URL Crafting: The attacker constructs a malicious URL targeting the ReadMessage.jsp file, including the target user's username and domain in the path (e.g., /mailboxesdir/username@domainname).
Step 3: Request Submission: The attacker sends the crafted URL request to the vulnerable server.
Step 4: Attachment Retrieval: Due to the lack of proper authorization checks, the server processes the request and serves the requested email attachment, regardless of the attacker's identity.
Step 5: Data Exfiltration: The attacker receives the email attachment, gaining unauthorized access to the victim's sensitive information.
The vulnerability stems from an insecure implementation within the ReadMessage.jsp file in JavaMail API, specifically related to how it handles requests for email attachments. The flaw allows an attacker to directly request attachments from other users' mailboxes by crafting a specific URL. The lack of proper access controls or authentication allows an attacker to bypass intended security measures, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive email attachments. The root cause is likely a missing or inadequate authorization check within the ReadMessage.jsp code, failing to verify the user's identity or permissions before serving the attachment. This allows any user to request and receive attachments belonging to other users, violating the principle of least privilege.
Due to the age of the vulnerability, specific APT groups or malware campaigns directly targeting this CVE are unlikely to be documented. However, any threat actor seeking to gain access to sensitive email data would find this vulnerability valuable. This vulnerability is not listed on the CISA KEV.
Monitor web server logs (e.g., Apache Tomcat access logs) for suspicious requests to ReadMessage.jsp with unusual parameters, especially those including email addresses in the path.
Analyze network traffic for HTTP requests targeting the vulnerable endpoint, looking for patterns indicative of unauthorized attachment access.
Implement file integrity monitoring to detect any unauthorized access or modification of email attachment files.
Review application source code (if available) for the ReadMessage.jsp file to identify and analyze the access control mechanisms.
Upgrade JavaMail API to a patched version (1.4 or later).
Upgrade Apache Tomcat to a patched version (5.0.28 or later).
Implement robust access controls and authentication mechanisms within the JavaMail API and associated applications.
Review and harden the configuration of the web server to restrict access to sensitive directories and files.
Remove or disable the ReadMessage.jsp file if it is not essential for application functionality.
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests.
Regularly scan systems for known vulnerabilities using vulnerability scanners.