CVE-2000-0065 in InetServ
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in InetServ 3.0 allows remote attackers to execute commands via a long GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0065 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within InetServ 3.0 web server software that exposes remote attackers to command execution capabilities through crafted HTTP GET requests. This vulnerability resides in the server's handling of input data, specifically when processing HTTP GET requests that exceed predetermined buffer limits. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the web server's request processing pipeline, creating an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the InetServ 3.0 software processes HTTP GET requests without proper bounds checking on the length of the requested resource path. When a maliciously crafted request contains excessive data in the URI portion of the GET method, the server's internal buffer allocated for storing this data becomes overrun. This overflow can overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses, function pointers, and other control data structures essential for proper program execution. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers stack-based buffer overflow scenarios that can lead to arbitrary code execution. Attackers can leverage this condition to inject and execute malicious code within the context of the web server process, potentially gaining full system control.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0065 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with elevated permissions on the host system. This can result in data theft, system manipulation, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter without requiring local access or authentication credentials. According to ATT&CK framework category T1059, this vulnerability enables command and scripting interpreter techniques, while T1078 covers legitimate credentials usage and T1566 addresses social engineering through web application attacks. The vulnerability affects systems where InetServ 3.0 is deployed, particularly those running on older operating systems that may lack modern exploit mitigations such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, or data execution prevention mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0065 require immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the vendor, as the vulnerability represents an unpatched flaw in legacy software. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while also deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The recommended approach includes upgrading to patched versions of InetServ or migrating to more modern web server solutions that incorporate proper input validation and memory management practices. Additionally, implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious GET requests before they reach the vulnerable server. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of InetServ 3.0 deployments and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in the environment.