CVE-2002-1870 in Simple Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Simple Web Server (SWS) 0.0.4 through 0.1.0 does not properly handle when the recv function call fails, which may allow remote attackers to overwrite program data or perform actions on an uninitialized heap, leading to a denial of service and possibly code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1870 affects Simple Web Server versions 0.0.4 through 0.1.0, representing a critical flaw in network application security that stems from improper error handling during socket communication operations. This vulnerability resides in the fundamental data processing mechanisms of the web server software, specifically in how it manages the recv system call failures that occur during network data reception. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and error state management that has been documented in numerous security frameworks including CWE-248, which categorizes improper exception handling as a significant weakness in software systems. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of network programming and memory management, creating a dangerous condition where the application fails to properly validate or handle communication failures that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the recv function call within the Simple Web Server fails to properly receive data from network connections. When this occurs, the application does not adequately check the return value or handle the error condition, leading to a scenario where uninitialized memory or corrupted program data structures may be accessed or modified. This failure mode represents a direct violation of secure programming principles and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers can potentially leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code. The recv function failure typically occurs when network connections are disrupted, data is malformed, or when the underlying network stack encounters issues, but the vulnerable server fails to properly handle these exceptional conditions rather than gracefully terminating or recovering from them.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1870 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous for web server deployments. When attackers can manipulate the recv function failure conditions, they may be able to overwrite heap memory structures with malicious data, leading to unpredictable behavior including application crashes, data corruption, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability's potential for code execution places it in the high-risk category according to security assessment frameworks and represents a direct threat to system availability and integrity. Organizations running affected versions of Simple Web Server face significant exposure to remote exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where the server is accessible over the internet or in network segments with limited security controls. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires minimal network access and can be automated, making it attractive to attackers seeking to compromise web server infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1870 should prioritize immediate version updates to patched releases of Simple Web Server, as this vulnerability represents an easily exploitable flaw that has existed for many years. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable servers to untrusted networks, while also deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's root cause demonstrates the critical importance of proper error handling in network applications and serves as a reminder of the need for robust input validation and defensive programming practices. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Additionally, implementing network monitoring and logging controls can help detect exploitation attempts and provide forensic evidence for incident response activities, while also aligning with security compliance requirements that mandate proper vulnerability management and remediation processes.