CVE-2002-1452 in MyWebServer
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the search capability for MyWebServer 1.0.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long searchTarget parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1452 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the MyWebServer 1.0.2 web server implementation that specifically affects the search functionality. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the searchTarget parameter processing mechanism, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the software's memory management. The buffer overflow occurs when the server receives a searchTarget parameter that exceeds the allocated buffer size, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which directly violates the principle of secure memory handling in web server applications. The flaw exists in the server's response to user input during search operations, where the application fails to properly validate the length of the searchTarget parameter before processing it within a fixed-size buffer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system with the privileges of the web server process. This remote code execution capability means that an attacker could potentially gain full control over the web server, install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any remote user who can submit search requests to the web server. Attackers can craft malicious searchTarget parameters that overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame or even redirecting program execution flow to malicious code injected into the buffer. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities for remote code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1452 should focus on immediate patching of the MyWebServer software to version 1.0.3 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. System administrators should implement network-level protections such as input filtering at the firewall or web application firewall level to restrict overly long searchTarget parameters before they reach the vulnerable server. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the web server with minimal required permissions and implementing proper memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web server components. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious search parameter patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and buffer management in web applications, as highlighted in industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for secure coding practices.