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The simple answer to this is yes. From a network security standpoint, enabling port 80 (HTTP/OWA) on any device is a security vulnerability. Of course, the bad news from a security standpoint is that every installation of Exchange 2000 and Exchange 2003 has Outlook Web Access installed and enabled by default.
When you get down to brass tacks, it is the fact that Internet Information Services (IIS) -- which includes the HTTP, NNTP, SMTP, IMAP4, POP3 and a number of other Internet protocols -- is the source of vulnerability. However, you can not install Exchange 2000/2003 without it running.
The real risk is not planning for it. Here is a short list of things you can do to secure Outlook Web Access.
- Implement Secure Socket Layer (SSL) for secure HTTPS communications between the client (browser) and the server.
- Use front-end servers for Internet clients to connect to. No data is stored on the front-end server and therefore it is a lower risk if compromised.
- Implement IPsec between front-end and back-end servers. SSL can't be used between front-end and back-end servers, but IPsec can.
SSL is really the key to securing Outlook Web Access. You should not allow clients to connect to Outlook Web Access without using SSL.
Do you have comments on this Ask the Expert Q&A? Let us know.
Related information from SearchExchange.com:
Tip: Troubleshooting Outlook Web Access
Tip: OWA may malfunction with some firewalls
Tip: Troubleshooting OWA problems
Reference Center: Outlook Web Access
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