Why is the version obtained from the IMAP protocol considered accurate, and how do you extract it?

The IMAP protocol (port 143) returns a response including fields like `VERSION` and `RELEASE` from the `ID` command, which directly corresponds to the installed Zimbra version and patch level. For example, sending `A001 ID NIL` and parsing the response yields accurate version info like `9.0.0_GA_4273`. This method is reliable and often used in automated detection scripts similar to those described in Penetration Basics - Zimbra Version Detection.