CVE-2020-12618 : Security Advisory and Response

eM Client before 7.2.33412.0 had a vulnerability that allowed a man-in-the-middle attacker to obtain and replace S/MIME certificates, potentially decrypting further communication.

Understanding CVE-2020-12618

This CVE involves a security issue in eM Client that could lead to the interception and decryption of communication.

What is CVE-2020-12618?

This vulnerability in eM Client versions prior to 7.2.33412.0 allowed an attacker to replace S/MIME certificates, enabling decryption of sensitive communication.

The Impact of CVE-2020-12618

The vulnerability could be exploited by a man-in-the-middle attacker to intercept and decipher encrypted communication, compromising the confidentiality of emails.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-12618

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

eM Client before version 7.2.33412.0 automatically imported S/MIME certificates, allowing an attacker to replace existing certificates and decrypt communication.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: eM Client
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: All versions before 7.2.33412.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a single email to obtain and replace S/MIME certificates, enabling decryption of further communication.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from this vulnerability is crucial to maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update eM Client to version 7.2.33412.0 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Be cautious of emails with suspicious content or attachments to prevent potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and security patches to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement encryption and digital signatures to enhance email security.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of software updates and security patches to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2020-12618.