CVE-2001-0747 in Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in iPlanet Web Server (iWS) Enterprise Edition 4.1, service packs 3 through 7, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of sevice and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long method name in an HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0747 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the iPlanet Web Server Enterprise Edition 4.1 implementation. This security weakness specifically manifests when the web server processes HTTP requests containing excessively long method names, creating a condition where memory boundaries are exceeded during request handling. The affected versions span service packs 3 through 7, indicating this flaw persisted across multiple updates and patches, suggesting a fundamental issue in the server's input validation mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through malformed HTTP requests that contain method names exceeding the allocated buffer size. When the web server attempts to process these oversized method identifiers, the buffer overflow condition triggers, potentially corrupting adjacent memory regions and causing unpredictable behavior. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without authentication requirements, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web servers. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, which is classified as a common weakness in software development practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enabling remote code execution. While the primary effect is described as denial of service, the buffer overflow nature suggests that attackers could manipulate the execution flow of the web server process, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. This capability would allow threat actors to gain unauthorized access to the server, execute malicious commands, and potentially establish persistent access to the underlying system. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems without requiring physical access or local network presence.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in web server implementations. The flaw represents a classic example of how insufficient bounds checking in application code can lead to severe security consequences. Organizations running affected versions of iPlanet Web Server should consider implementing immediate mitigations including patching to the latest available service packs, network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for suspicious HTTP request patterns. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under the T1210 technique for exploitation of remote services, with potential progression toward privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised networks. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious requests containing oversized method names before they can trigger the buffer overflow condition.