CVE-2002-1361 in Cobalt Raq 4
Summary
by MITRE
overflow.cgi CGI script in Sun Cobalt RaQ 4 with the SHP (Security Hardening Patch) installed allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a POST request with shell metacharacters in the email parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1361 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the overflow.cgi CGI script of Sun Cobalt RaQ 4 servers running the Security Hardening Patch. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web application's handling of user-supplied data. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing POST requests containing shell metacharacters within the email parameter, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical flaw stems from improper bounds checking and string handling within the CGI script implementation, which fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters before processing them. When the SHP patch is installed, it does not adequately address the buffer overflow vulnerability present in the overflow.cgi script, leaving the system susceptible to code execution attacks. The vulnerability is classified as a classic buffer overflow condition that occurs when user input exceeds the allocated memory buffer space, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process.
This vulnerability presents significant operational impact for organizations deploying Sun Cobalt RaQ 4 systems, as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain complete control over affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through simple HTTP POST requests, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. The security implications extend beyond immediate system compromise to include potential persistence mechanisms and privilege escalation opportunities.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) where attackers leverage command injection vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code. From a CWE perspective, this represents a classic CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack memory. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching the affected software, disabling unnecessary CGI scripts, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough network segmentation to limit potential attack surface. Additionally, regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be performed to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems.