CVE-2002-0387 in One Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in gxnsapi6.dll NSAPI plugin of the Connector Module for Sun ONE Application Server before 6.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP request URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0387 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the gxnsapi6.dll NSAPI plugin component of Sun ONE Application Server Connector Module versions prior to 6.5. This issue resides in the handling of HTTP request URLs and creates a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly constrain the length of incoming URL parameters, allowing malicious actors to craft specially crafted HTTP requests that exceed the allocated buffer space.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs within the NSAPI plugin architecture where the gxnsapi6.dll module processes incoming web requests without adequate bounds checking. When a malformed HTTP request containing an excessively long URL is processed, the plugin fails to validate the input length before copying it into a fixed-size buffer, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with the broader category of CWE-787, heap-based buffer overflows, depending on the specific memory layout during exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries target exposed web services to gain unauthorized access and execute malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0387 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system control, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects organizations running Sun ONE Application Server versions earlier than 6.5, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments that may have legacy systems or delayed patch deployment processes. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no authentication and can be triggered through standard web browser interactions, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and zero-day attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0387 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Sun ONE Application Server installations to version 6.5 or later, which includes the necessary buffer overflow protections and input validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malformed URL patterns associated with this vulnerability. Additionally, security configurations should enforce strict URL length limitations and implement input sanitization at multiple layers of the application stack. The remediation process should include comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected software and ensure that patching efforts cover all components of the web application infrastructure. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures to address successful attacks. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how seemingly simple input validation flaws can create critical system compromise opportunities.