CVE-2002-1120 in Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Savant Web Server 3.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1120 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Savant Web Server version 3.1 and earlier implementations. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly handle excessively long HTTP GET requests, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory regions. The flaw exists at the application layer where the web server processes incoming HTTP requests without sufficient bounds checking, allowing maliciously crafted payloads to trigger memory corruption.
This buffer overflow vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-121, which encompasses classic stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The attack vector requires only a network connection to the vulnerable web server, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible environments where the server operates without proper network segmentation or access controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern where attackers craft HTTP GET requests containing oversized parameter strings or query components that exceed the allocated buffer space. When the Savant Web Server processes these malformed requests, the overflow corrupts the stack memory, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite return addresses and function pointers with malicious code addresses. This memory corruption can lead to complete system compromise, enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access, escalate privileges, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised environment.
From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper memory management in web server implementations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Savant Web Server was designed for general web serving purposes, making it a common target for automated exploitation attempts. Organizations running affected versions should prioritize immediate patching or mitigation strategies, as the vulnerability's remote execution capability makes it highly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise web infrastructure. The flaw also highlights the necessity of implementing network-based security controls such as intrusion detection systems and web application firewalls to detect and prevent exploitation attempts before they can succeed.
The remediation approach for CVE-2002-1120 requires immediate deployment of vendor-provided security patches that address the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and memory boundary checks. System administrators should also implement defensive measures including network segmentation, access control lists, and monitoring solutions to detect anomalous HTTP request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected systems running older versions of the Savant Web Server or similar software implementations that may exhibit similar buffer overflow characteristics. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and the implementation of secure coding practices that prevent such fundamental memory safety issues from occurring in production environments.