HighPublic exploit

RCE via Directory Traversal in Apache James 2.3.2 User Creation

IdentifiersCVE-2015-7611CWE-22

CVE-2015-7611 is a critical remote command execution vulnerability in Apache James Server 2.3.2, specifically when configured with file-based user repositories. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation in the user creation mechanism, allowing attackers to create usernames containing directory traversal sequences. This enables writing files outside the intended user directory, such as into /etc/bash_completion.d, which can lead to arbitrary command execution when a user logs in. The risk is heightened by the server running as root and the presence of default credentials on the administration console.

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ANALYST BRIEF

Impact, mitigation & remediation

What it means. What to do now. Patch path, mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.

Impact

What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.

Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands with root privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. Attackers can automate the exploit to gain persistent access or escalate privileges, especially if the server is running as root and bash-completion is installed.

Mitigation

If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.

If immediate upgrade is not possible, mitigate risk by changing default admin passwords, restricting access to the admin console, uninstalling bash-completion, running the server as an unprivileged user on a non-privileged port, and using firewall rules to forward SMTP traffic from port 25 to a higher port. Validate all user input and monitor for suspicious user creation activity.

Remediation

Patch, then assume compromise.

Upgrade to Apache James Server version 2.3.2.1 or later, which implements input validation to prevent directory traversal and unsafe characters in usernames. Ensure all default credentials are changed, and restrict access to the administration console.

PUBLIC EXPLOITS

Exploits

1 valid exploit after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos.

VALID 1 / 1 TOTALView more in app

apache_james_exec.rbMaturityWeaponizedFrameworkmetasploitVerified exploit

This repository contains a single Metasploit module (apache_james_exec.rb) that exploits CVE-2015-7611, a vulnerability in Apache James Server 2.3.2 on Linux. The exploit leverages insufficient input validation in the user creation process of the James Remote Administration Tool, allowing an attacker to perform directory traversal and write arbitrary files as root. By creating a user with a crafted username, the attacker can write a payload to /etc/cron.d (for execution by cron) or /etc/bash_completion.d (for execution upon user login if bash completion is enabled). The module uses Metasploit's command stager to deliver a customizable payload, typically resulting in a reverse shell or arbitrary command execution as root. The exploit requires network access to the SMTP service (port 25) and the James Remote Administration Tool (port 4555). The module also includes cleanup routines to remove exploit artifacts. The code is written in Ruby and is fully integrated into the Metasploit framework.

Disclosed Oct 1, 2015rubynetwork

EXPOSURE SURFACE

Affected products & vendors

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VendorProductType

Apache Software FoundationJames Serverapplication

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ACTIVITY FEED

Recent activity

No public activity tracked yet. Mallory keeps watching.

0 SOURCESView more in app

No public activity observed for this vulnerability.

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Threat actor evidence

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Detection signatures

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Social activity