CVE-2001-1293 in 3CR29223
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in web server of 3com HomeConnect Cable Modem External with USB (#3CR29223) allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a long HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1293 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting the web server component of 3com HomeConnect Cable Modem External with USB model #3CR29223. This issue resides within the embedded web server software that handles HTTP requests from remote clients, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the device's memory management mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the web server processes HTTP requests containing excessively long input data, causing the server to overwrite adjacent memory regions beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
This buffer overflow vulnerability operates through a classic stack-based buffer overflow attack vector, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to supply data exceeding the predetermined buffer size. The flaw directly corresponds to weakness type CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits memory corruption. When an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP request containing oversized data, the web server's processing routine fails to properly validate the input length, leading to memory corruption that ultimately results in the device crashing and becoming unavailable to legitimate users. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enabling more sophisticated attack vectors if the device's memory layout permits arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability presents significant security implications for network infrastructure devices, particularly those deployed in residential and small office environments. The device's web interface serves as a primary management point for users to configure modem settings, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to disrupt network connectivity. The remote exploitability means that adversaries can trigger the denial of service condition from outside the local network, requiring no physical access or local network presence. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.001, which describes network denial of service attacks targeting infrastructure devices. The vulnerability affects the availability aspect of the CIA triad, as successful exploitation results in complete service disruption, leaving users unable to access their modem's configuration interface or maintain network connectivity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1293 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from 3com if available, though this particular vulnerability predates modern patch management practices. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit exposure by restricting direct internet access to the device's web interface, while implementing network monitoring to detect unusual HTTP traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights fundamental security weaknesses in embedded device development practices, particularly regarding input validation and memory management. Organizations should implement network access controls to prevent unauthorized access to management interfaces and consider network intrusion detection systems to monitor for potential exploitation attempts. The issue underscores the importance of secure coding practices and thorough security testing for embedded systems, as the flaw demonstrates how basic input validation can prevent catastrophic system failures. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing redundant connectivity solutions to maintain network availability during potential exploitation events, while also establishing incident response procedures to address such vulnerabilities when they are discovered in operational environments.