CVE-2018-14355 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability was found in Mutt versions prior to 1.10.1 and NeoMutt versions before 2018-07-16, leading to improper handling of directory traversal using ".." in a mailbox name.

Understanding CVE-2018-14355

What is CVE-2018-14355?

This CVE identifies a flaw in Mutt and NeoMutt versions that allows improper directory traversal manipulation in mailbox names.

The Impact of CVE-2018-14355

The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to traverse directories and potentially access sensitive information or execute arbitrary code.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-14355

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from mishandling ".." directory traversal in the imap/util.c file of Mutt and NeoMutt.

Affected Systems and Versions

Mutt versions prior to 1.10.1
NeoMutt versions before 2018-07-16

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate mailbox names using directory traversal techniques, potentially leading to unauthorized access or code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Mutt and NeoMutt to versions 1.10.1 and 2018-07-16 respectively.
Monitor for any unusual activities related to mailbox manipulation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement proper input validation to prevent directory traversal attacks.
Regularly update software and apply security patches.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security updates and patches provided by Mutt and NeoMutt.