7.5 - RHSA-2005:128

Problem Description:

Updated imap packages to correct a security vulnerability in CRAM-MD5 authentication are now available for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3.

This update has been rated as having moderate security impact by the Red Hat Security Response Team.

2. Relevant releases/architectures:

Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS version 3 - i386, ia64, ppc, s390, s390x, x86_64 Red Hat Desktop version 3 - i386, x86_64 Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES version 3 - i386, ia64, x86_64 Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS version 3 - i386, ia64, x86_64

3. Problem description:

The imap package provides server daemons for both the IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) and POP (Post Office Protocol) mail access protocols.

A logic error in the CRAM-MD5 code in the University of Washington IMAP (UW-IMAP) server was discovered. When Challenge-Response Authentication Mechanism with MD5 (CRAM-MD5) is enabled, UW-IMAP does not properly enforce all the required conditions for successful authentication, which could allow remote attackers to authenticate as arbitrary users. The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures project (cve.mitre.org) has assigned the name
CAN-2005-0198 to this issue.

All users of imap should upgrade to these updated packages, which contain a backported patch and are not vulnerable to this issue.

4. Solution:

Before applying this update, make sure that all previously-released errata relevant to your system have been applied. Use Red Hat Network to download and update your packages. To launch the Red Hat Update Agent, use the following command:

up2date

For information on how to install packages manually, refer to the following Web page for the System Administration or Customization guide specific to your system:

http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/enterprise/

5. Bug IDs fixed (http://bugzilla.redhat.com/):

145469 - CAN-2005-0198 user validation issue in imap when using CRAM-MD5 authetication