CVE-2002-0450 in Web+ Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Talentsoft Web+ 5.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long Web Markup Language (wml) file name to (1) webplus.dll or (2) webplus.exe.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0450 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting Talentsoft Web+ version 5.0 and earlier implementations. This security weakness resides within the web server component that processes web markup language files, specifically targeting the webplus.dll and webplus.exe executables. The flaw manifests when the system receives a maliciously crafted wml file name that exceeds the allocated buffer space, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the web server's file name processing routines, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious code payloads.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow vulnerability follows a classic remote code execution attack pattern where an attacker crafts a specially formatted wml file name containing excessive data that overflows the designated buffer allocated for file name handling. This overflow enables the attacker to overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses and function pointers, effectively allowing arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application level without requiring authentication or local access, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which falls under the broader category of memory safety issues that have been consistently identified as high-risk vulnerabilities in web applications and server software.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of web content, installation of backdoors, and establishment of persistent access points for further attacks. The vulnerability affects organizations running legacy web server implementations that have not been updated to patched versions, creating a significant risk for companies maintaining older software infrastructure. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell, as exploitation typically involves executing commands through the compromised web server, and T1078: Valid Accounts, since the attacker would likely need to leverage legitimate system accounts to maintain access post-exploitation. Organizations using vulnerable Web+ implementations face potential data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations that could result in substantial financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0450 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the vendor-provided security updates or upgrading to newer versions of Talentsoft Web+ that address the buffer overflow conditions. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to web server ports and limit the attack surface where possible. Input validation controls should be strengthened to prevent long file names from being processed without proper bounds checking, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems. System monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file name patterns or access attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify malicious wml file name patterns and establish incident response procedures for rapid containment and remediation of exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and security awareness training for system administrators can help prevent exploitation of similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in other legacy applications.