CVE-2002-1904 in ghttpd
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Log function in util.c in GazTek ghttpd 1.4 through 1.4.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1904 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the GazTek ghttpd web server software version 1.4 through 1.4.3. This issue manifests specifically within the Log function located in the util.c source file, where inadequate input validation permits attackers to exploit memory corruption through crafted HTTP GET requests. The buffer overflow vulnerability stems from the software's failure to properly bounds-check user-supplied data before processing it within fixed-length memory buffers, creating a pathway for malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker submits an HTTP GET request containing an excessively long string parameter that exceeds the allocated buffer space in the logging function. This condition results in memory overwrite behavior where the overflow corrupts adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses and control data structures. The exploitation mechanism leverages the standard buffer overflow attack pattern where attacker-controlled data overflows the designated buffer, allowing arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the web server process. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation through buffer overflow methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it enables full remote code execution capabilities that could result in complete system compromise. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to the web server host, potentially escalating privileges to root or system-level access depending on the server configuration. The affected versions of ghttpd through 1.4.3 represent a significant security risk since they lack proper input sanitization mechanisms and memory protection features that would normally prevent such overflow conditions. The vulnerability affects systems running these specific versions of the web server software, particularly those exposed to the internet or accessible network segments where HTTP traffic flows.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1904 require immediate action to address the root cause through software updates and patches provided by GazTek or through alternative web server solutions. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as intrusion detection systems and firewalls to monitor for suspicious HTTP GET request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Input validation measures should be implemented at the application level to reject overly long parameter values before they reach the vulnerable logging function. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization to make exploitation more difficult. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in web server applications, emphasizing the need for adherence to secure coding practices and regular security assessments of deployed software components.