CVE-2000-1077 in iPlanet Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the SHTML logging functionality of iPlanet Web Server 4.x allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a long filename with a .shtml extension.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-1077 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the iPlanet Web Server version 4.x, specifically affecting the Server-Side Includes (SSI) logging mechanism. This issue arises from inadequate input validation when processing filenames with the .shtml extension, creating a pathway for remote code execution that could be exploited by malicious actors without authentication. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially gain control over the affected system.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the web server processes requests containing excessively long filenames that end with the .shtml extension. The SHTML logging functionality fails to properly validate the length of incoming filenames, causing the buffer to overflow when the system attempts to store or log the extended input. This overflow can overwrite critical program execution data including return addresses, function pointers, or other control structures necessary for normal program operation. Attackers can manipulate the overflow to redirect program execution flow to malicious code placed within the overflowed buffer, effectively enabling remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability specifically targets the server's logging subsystem rather than the core web serving functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal web access patterns without requiring special privileges or authentication.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to web server security as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system with the privileges of the web server process. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially enable full system compromise, data exfiltration, or use as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. Organizations running iPlanet Web Server 4.x versions were particularly vulnerable as the flaw existed in widely deployed server software, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation campaigns. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would align with techniques such as command and control operations and privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could provide attackers with persistent access and elevated system privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-1077 should focus on immediate patching of the affected iPlanet Web Server versions, as the vendor released updates specifically addressing this buffer overflow vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable web servers to untrusted networks, while also considering the deployment of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests containing overly long filenames. Input validation measures should be implemented at multiple layers including the web server configuration to limit the maximum length of filenames processed through SSI functionality. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual logging patterns or command execution attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in other web server implementations and ensure comprehensive protection against similar threats. System administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts targeting web server components.