CVE-2001-0227 in Biblioweb Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in BiblioWeb web server 2.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary commands via a long HTTP GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0227 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the BiblioWeb web server version 2.0, which exposes the system to remote exploitation by malicious actors. This specific vulnerability resides in the handling of HTTP GET requests, where the web server fails to properly validate input length before processing incoming requests. The buffer overflow occurs when an attacker sends an excessively long HTTP GET request, causing the server to overwrite adjacent memory locations in the process heap. This memory corruption can lead to unpredictable behavior including application crashes, system instability, and in severe cases, arbitrary code execution within the context of the web server process.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite memory beyond the allocated buffer space. The operational impact of this flaw extends beyond simple denial of service, as the memory corruption can potentially be leveraged to execute malicious code on the target system. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted HTTP GET requests that exceed the buffer capacity, triggering the overflow condition. The vulnerability affects the web server's ability to maintain stable operation and can result in complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient input validation can create pathways for remote code execution within web server environments. The attack vector requires only the ability to send HTTP requests to the affected server, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with network access. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution threat places it within the ATT&CK framework under T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. Organizations running BiblioWeb 2.0 are particularly at risk as the buffer overflow can be triggered without authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0227 should focus on immediate patching of the affected web server software, as no reliable workarounds exist for this specific buffer overflow condition. Network administrators should implement input validation measures at the perimeter, such as web application firewalls that can detect and block excessively long HTTP GET requests before they reach the vulnerable server. Additionally, implementing proper memory protection mechanisms including stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and non-executable stack protections can help reduce the impact of such vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other web server implementations, as this class of vulnerability remains prevalent in legacy software systems. The incident underscores the critical importance of input validation and proper bounds checking in preventing memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to complete system compromise.