CVE-2002-0753 in Web+ Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Talentsoft Web+ 5.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an HTTP request with a long cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0753 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Talentsoft Web+ 5.0 web application server software. This issue manifests when the system processes HTTP requests containing excessively long cookie values, creating a condition where memory boundaries are exceeded during data handling operations. The flaw exists in the cookie processing mechanism of the web server, which fails to properly validate or limit the length of incoming cookie data before attempting to store or process it in memory buffers.
This buffer overflow vulnerability operates at the application layer and presents a significant security risk as it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or prior access to the system. The technical implementation of the flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the web server's cookie handling routines, where the software assumes that incoming cookie data will not exceed predetermined length limits. When an attacker crafts an HTTP request containing a cookie value that exceeds the allocated buffer size, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting program execution flow or allowing arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects systems running Talentsoft Web+ 5.0 versions, particularly those exposed to untrusted network traffic or public internet access where attackers can easily craft and submit malicious HTTP requests.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions occurring when insufficient bounds checking allows memory to be overwritten. The attack vector maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, representing exploitation of software vulnerabilities through remote code execution. Organizations utilizing affected systems face heightened risk of unauthorized access and data breaches, particularly in environments where the web server processes user-supplied cookies from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the vendor-provided security updates or upgrading to supported versions of Talentsoft Web+ software. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit exposure by restricting direct access to vulnerable web servers from untrusted networks. Additionally, implementing input validation measures, such as cookie length restrictions and regular security monitoring, can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. System administrators should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious HTTP request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in web application security, particularly in legacy systems that may not have received ongoing security updates.