CVE-2002-0177 in Icecast
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflows in icecast 1.3.11 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP GET request from an MP3 client.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0177 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in icecast version 1.3.11 and earlier implementations. This issue specifically affects the handling of HTTP GET requests within the streaming media server software, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the server's request processing logic, where the software fails to properly bounds-check incoming data from MP3 clients. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the network protocol level, allowing attackers to exploit the vulnerability without requiring any local access or authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the icecast server processes HTTP GET requests from media clients attempting to stream audio content. When an attacker crafts a maliciously long HTTP GET request, the server's buffer allocation mechanism cannot accommodate the excessive data length, causing memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical program execution structures. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of unsafe string handling in network services. The attack vector specifically targets the HTTP request parsing functionality where the server expects standard request formats but receives malformed data exceeding predetermined buffer limits.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0177 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the buffer overflow can be exploited to achieve complete system compromise. Attackers can manipulate the corrupted memory to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the icecast process, potentially leading to full system control. This vulnerability affects organizations running streaming media services, particularly those using older icecast implementations for audio broadcasting, radio stations, or internet radio services. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or local network presence, making it particularly attractive for widespread exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to newer icecast versions that have addressed the buffer overflow conditions through proper input validation and bounds checking. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of streaming services to untrusted networks, while also monitoring for suspicious HTTP GET request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular software updates and security patches, as the issue was resolved in subsequent icecast releases through proper memory management practices. Security professionals should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malformed HTTP requests characteristic of this exploit, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1210 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and control through compromised systems.