CVE-2002-0260 in Miniportal
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in InstantServers MiniPortal 1.1.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long login name, which is not properly handled by the logging utility.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0260 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within InstantServers MiniPortal version 1.1.5 and earlier implementations. This security weakness resides in the application's logging utility component that fails to properly validate input length during authentication processes. The flaw manifests when remote attackers submit excessively long login names that exceed the allocated buffer space, creating conditions ripe for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability directly impacts the authentication mechanism and exposes the system to potential compromise through malicious input manipulation.
From a technical perspective, this buffer overflow occurs when user-supplied login credentials exceed the predefined buffer limits within the logging subsystem. The logging utility in MiniPortal does not implement proper bounds checking or input sanitization, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious payload data. This memory corruption enables execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the principle of stack-based buffer overflow as classified under CWE-121, where insufficient boundary checking allows memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple authentication bypass scenarios, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve remote code execution without requiring legitimate credentials. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized system access, data exfiltration, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects organizations relying on outdated MiniPortal implementations, particularly those with limited security monitoring capabilities that may not detect anomalous login patterns. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads, making it a significant threat vector for network security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0260 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the vendor-provided security updates. Organizations must implement input validation measures that enforce strict length limitations on authentication credentials and establish proper bounds checking within all application components. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for unusual login patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security hardening practices including disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong access controls, and regular security assessments can reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1075 for use of valid accounts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting and runtime application protection mechanisms can provide additional layers of defense against similar buffer overflow exploits. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments remain crucial for maintaining system integrity and preventing exploitation of known vulnerabilities like this one.