CVE-2001-0419 in Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in shared library ndwfn4.so for iPlanet Web Server (iWS) 4.1, when used as a web listener for Oracle application server 4.0.8.2, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a long HTTP request that is passed to the application server, such as /jsp/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0419 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the iPlanet Web Server 4.1 shared library ndwfn4.so which serves as a web listener component for Oracle Application Server 4.0.8.2. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web server's shared library implementation, creating a security exposure that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized command execution capabilities. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the server processes HTTP requests containing excessively long input data, particularly those directed to jsp directories or similar web application endpoints.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs within the ndwfn4.so shared library where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overflow a fixed-size buffer during HTTP request processing. When a maliciously crafted HTTP request containing excessive data is sent to the iPlanet Web Server, the server fails to properly validate the input length before copying data into a predetermined buffer space. This classic buffer overflow condition results in memory corruption that can be manipulated to overwrite critical program execution data such as return addresses or function pointers. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the interaction between the web server and the Oracle application server, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard web protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. This remote code execution vulnerability enables threat actors to gain full control over the web server and potentially escalate privileges to access underlying Oracle application server components. The attack vector requires only a standard HTTP request to be sent to the vulnerable server, making it highly exploitable and difficult to detect. Organizations running iPlanet Web Server 4.1 with Oracle Application Server 4.0.8.2 configurations face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential system compromise. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of web applications hosted on the affected platform, as attackers can execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0419 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected iPlanet Web Server 4.1 installation with vendor-provided security updates or upgrade to newer versions that address the buffer overflow vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the vulnerable web server to untrusted networks. Network intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious HTTP request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers of the application architecture, including web server configuration and application code level defenses. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a technique commonly associated with attack patterns in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation categories. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in legacy web server implementations and ensure proper memory management practices are implemented throughout the application stack.