CVE-2002-1122 in Internet Scanner
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the parsing mechanism for ISS Internet Scanner 6.2.1, when using the license banner HTTP check, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long web server response.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1122 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the ISS Internet Scanner 6.2.1 network security tool. This vulnerability specifically affects the HTTP check functionality that utilizes the license banner parsing mechanism, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the scanner's response handling code, where the software fails to properly bounds-check incoming web server responses before processing them.
This buffer overflow vulnerability operates through a classic memory corruption attack vector where an attacker crafts a maliciously long HTTP response that exceeds the allocated buffer space in the ISS scanner's parsing routine. When the scanner attempts to parse this oversized response during the license banner check, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially overwriting critical program structures including return addresses and function pointers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the scanning process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1122 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and unauthorized access to network infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain control of the scanning system itself, potentially using it as a foothold for further network infiltration or to establish persistent access points. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the ISS Internet Scanner, which is designed to identify security weaknesses in network services, making it particularly dangerous as it undermines the very security tool meant to protect the network. This creates a paradoxical situation where the security testing tool becomes a vector for exploitation rather than a protective mechanism.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patch for ISS Internet Scanner 6.2.1, which addresses the buffer overflow through proper bounds checking and memory management. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to the scanner system, while monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous HTTP responses that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a typical attack pattern categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1059.1001 for command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify the specific HTTP response patterns associated with this vulnerability, and conduct regular security assessments to ensure the scanner is not running with unnecessary privileges that could amplify the impact of exploitation.