CVE-2000-0255 in EdgeBlaster
Summary
by MITRE
The Nbase-Xyplex EdgeBlaster router allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a scan for the FormMail CGI program.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2026
The CVE-2000-0255 vulnerability affects the Nbase-Xyplex EdgeBlaster router, representing a significant security weakness that enables remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks through targeted scanning activities. This vulnerability specifically exploits the router's handling of requests directed toward the FormMail CGI program, which serves as a common web application interface for processing form submissions. The flaw demonstrates how embedded network devices can be susceptible to exploitation through simple network reconnaissance techniques that probe for known vulnerable components within the device's web interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the router's web server component. When the FormMail CGI program receives a malformed or unexpected request during network scanning activities, the system fails to properly process the input and instead crashes or becomes unresponsive. This behavior creates a predictable pattern where attackers can reliably trigger the denial of service condition by simply sending specific scan requests to the router's web interface. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack and demonstrates poor defensive programming practices that allow malformed input to disrupt normal system operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0255 extends beyond simple service interruption to potentially compromise network availability and business continuity. Organizations relying on the EdgeBlaster router for network infrastructure may experience complete service outages when attackers systematically scan for this vulnerability, particularly in environments where network monitoring tools continuously probe for security weaknesses. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from any location without requiring physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous for network administrators who may not immediately detect such attacks. This type of vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under the denial of service tactic, where adversaries seek to disrupt system availability through exploitation of software weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate network segmentation and access control measures to prevent unauthorized scanning of critical network infrastructure. Network administrators should implement firewall rules that restrict access to the router's web interface from untrusted networks and consider disabling unnecessary services such as the FormMail CGI program when it is not actively required. Additionally, regular firmware updates and security patches should be applied to address known vulnerabilities in network equipment, as this particular weakness represents a failure in proper input validation that could be remediated through software updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to CWE categories related to improper input validation and error handling within web applications, emphasizing the need for robust defensive programming techniques in embedded network devices.