CVE-2002-0801 in JRun
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the ISAPI DLL filter for Macromedia JRun 3.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a direct request to the filter with a long HTTP host header field in a URL for a .jsp file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0801 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the ISAPI DLL filter component of Macromedia JRun 3.1 web application server software. This security weakness exists in the handling of HTTP host header fields when processing requests for java server pages with the .jsp file extension. The flaw occurs when the ISAPI filter receives a malformed HTTP request containing an excessively long host header value, which exceeds the allocated buffer space in memory. This particular vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables remote code execution without requiring any authentication or prior access to the system.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow exploit involves crafting a malicious HTTP request that contains a host header field exceeding the maximum buffer capacity allocated by the JRun ISAPI filter. When the web server processes this request, the excessive data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite critical program execution pointers or inject malicious code into the process memory space. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it leverages standard HTTP protocols and does not require any specialized tools or techniques beyond crafting the appropriate request payload. The vulnerability specifically targets the ISAPI filter component that handles .jsp file requests, making it particularly effective against web applications deployed on JRun 3.1 servers. This type of attack aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007, which covers the execution of commands through web shells or similar mechanisms, though in this case the execution occurs directly through the buffer overflow mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server and potentially the underlying operating system. Once successfully exploited, attackers can install backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify web content, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations running Macromedia JRun 3.1 servers, particularly those hosting web applications that process user input through the ISAPI filter. The risk is compounded by the fact that this vulnerability can be exploited through simple HTTP requests, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. Organizations using this software are vulnerable to attacks that can result in complete system compromise, data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The attack surface is broad since any web application hosted on a vulnerable JRun 3.1 server that accepts user input through HTTP host headers could be targeted.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from affected organizations to address the root cause through proper software patching and configuration updates. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of Macromedia JRun that properly validates input buffer sizes and implements proper bounds checking for host header fields. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malformed HTTP requests containing excessively long host headers. Additional defensive measures include configuring the web server to limit the length of HTTP headers, implementing strict input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The mitigation approach should follow security best practices outlined in industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten, which emphasizes the importance of input validation and proper error handling to prevent buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures for handling such security events effectively.