CVE-2002-0360 in Solaris Answerbook2
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Sun AnswerBook2 1.4 through 1.4.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long filename argument to the gettransbitmap CGI program.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0360 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw discovered in Sun AnswerBook2 versions 1.4 through 1.4.3. This security weakness specifically affects the gettransbitmap CGI program, which is part of the AnswerBook2 documentation system developed by Sun Microsystems. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation within the CGI application, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the gettransbitmap CGI program processes filename arguments without proper bounds checking. When a maliciously crafted long filename argument is passed to this program, it exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing memory corruption that can be manipulated to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption typically affects the program's stack frame, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite return addresses and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking allows data to be written beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web-facing systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute malicious code on vulnerable systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or use as a foothold for further network penetration. The vulnerability affects systems running Sun AnswerBook2 in web server environments where CGI programs are accessible, particularly impacting enterprise networks that rely on Sun's documentation systems. This type of attack pattern corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to achieve remote code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0360 involve immediate patching of affected Sun AnswerBook2 installations to versions that address the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable web servers and consider disabling unnecessary CGI programs until proper patches are applied. Input validation measures should be enhanced at the application level to prevent overly long arguments from being processed, while also implementing proper memory management practices that include bounds checking and stack protection mechanisms. Additionally, network monitoring should be configured to detect suspicious long argument patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts against this vulnerability. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts targeting this specific buffer overflow condition.