CVE-2002-0348 in Cobalt Raq
Summary
by MITRE
service.cgi in Cobalt RAQ 4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service, and possibly execute arbitrary code, via a long service argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0348 affects the service.cgi component within Cobalt RAQ 4 systems, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to compromise system integrity. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the service.cgi script, which processes service arguments without proper bounds checking or sanitization. The vulnerability specifically manifests when attackers submit excessively long service arguments, creating buffer overflow conditions that can lead to system instability and potential code execution. The Cobalt RAQ 4 platform, designed as a web application server and content management system, relies on this vulnerable script to handle service requests, making it a prime target for exploitation. The flaw represents a classic buffer overflow vulnerability that falls under the CWE-121 category of buffer overflow conditions, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged for both denial of service attacks and arbitrary code execution, depending on the attacker's objectives and the specific memory corruption patterns achieved.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0348 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it provides attackers with potential pathways for system compromise and persistent access. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause the affected service.cgi script to crash or behave unpredictably, resulting in denial of service conditions that render the web application server unavailable to legitimate users. However, the more severe implications arise when attackers successfully manipulate the buffer overflow to inject and execute malicious code within the system context. This capability allows for privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and establishment of backdoors that can persist across system reboots. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation and persistence. The affected Cobalt RAQ 4 systems, which often serve as web hosting platforms and content management environments, become particularly attractive targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent access points for further reconnaissance and lateral movement within network infrastructures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0348 should prioritize immediate patch application from Cobalt Technologies, as this vulnerability was specifically addressed in subsequent software releases. Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation measures that enforce strict length limitations and character set restrictions on all service arguments processed by the affected cgi scripts. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to the service.cgi endpoint to trusted administrative networks only, reducing the attack surface available to remote adversaries. System monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in service request parameters that might indicate exploitation attempts, while intrusion detection systems should be configured to alert on malformed service arguments. The vulnerability's classification as a buffer overflow makes it susceptible to exploitation through various attack vectors including command injection and memory corruption techniques, requiring layered defensive approaches. Security teams should also consider implementing application-level firewalls or web application firewalls that can filter malicious input before it reaches the vulnerable service.cgi script. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that no custom modifications or third-party extensions have introduced similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities into the system, as the original flaw may have been compounded by other insecure coding practices within the broader Cobalt RAQ 4 ecosystem. The remediation process must also include comprehensive testing to ensure that patch implementations do not introduce compatibility issues with existing legitimate service operations while maintaining the system's overall functionality and security posture.