#VU57578 Inadequate Encryption Strength in Fetchmail - CVE-2021-39272

Vulnerability identifier: #VU57578

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 1.7 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:L/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2021-39272

CWE-ID: CWE-326

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Fetchmail
Client/Desktop applications / Office applications

Vendor: fetchmail.berlios.de

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to gain access to sensitive information.

The vulnerability exists due to Fetchmail before 6.4.22 fails to enforce STARTTLS session encryption in some circumstances, such as a certain situation with IMAP and PREAUTH. A remote attacker with ability to intercept network traffic can gain access to sensitive information.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Fetchmail: 6.4.0 - 6.4.21

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External links
https://nostarttls.secvuln.info/
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/08/27/3
https://www.fetchmail.info/security.html
https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/L3XJ6XLEJCEZCAM5LGGD6XBCC522QLG4/
https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/ZYCYLL73NP7ALJWSDICIVSA47ZIXWSSA/
https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/VXMKSEHAQSEDCWZMAOJEGX3P3JW6QY6H/

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.