CVE-2002-1951 in Webserver
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in GoAhead WebServer 2.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP GET request with a large number of subdirectories.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1951 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the GoAhead WebServer version 2.1 that exposes remote attackers to potential code execution capabilities. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web server's handling of HTTP GET requests, specifically when processing URLs containing an excessive number of subdirectories. The flaw manifests when the server attempts to parse and process overly long URL paths without proper bounds checking, creating a scenario where memory allocated for buffer storage becomes overwritten.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through a classic stack-based buffer overflow mechanism where the GoAhead WebServer fails to properly validate the length of incoming URL paths during HTTP GET request processing. When an attacker crafts a malicious request containing an excessive number of subdirectory components separated by forward slashes, the server's internal buffer handling routines become overwhelmed. This occurs because the web server uses fixed-size buffers to store and process URL components without implementing adequate bounds checking or length validation. The overflow typically occurs in the string processing functions responsible for parsing the requested URI, causing adjacent memory locations to be overwritten with attacker-controlled data.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to web server security as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system with the privileges of the web server process. The successful exploitation of this buffer overflow can lead to complete system compromise, enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, install backdoors, or establish persistent access to the compromised server. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal sophistication to execute, making it attractive to both skilled and less experienced attackers. The vulnerability affects systems running GoAhead WebServer 2.1 and potentially earlier versions, creating widespread exposure across numerous web applications and embedded systems that rely on this software stack.
The impact of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services. Organizations running affected systems face significant risk of unauthorized code execution, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation typically results in a denial of service condition followed by potential system compromise, making it particularly dangerous for web-facing applications that handle sensitive information. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability predates modern memory protection mechanisms, making exploitation more straightforward compared to contemporary systems with stack canaries or address space layout randomization.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1951 should prioritize immediate patching of affected GoAhead WebServer installations to version 2.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for proper input validation and buffer management. Network administrators should implement additional protective measures including firewall rules that limit the length of HTTP GET requests, intrusion detection system rules to monitor for suspicious URL patterns, and web application firewalls that can filter out malformed requests. Organizations should also consider implementing input validation at multiple layers including network appliances, load balancers, and application-level defenses to provide defense-in-depth protection. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable software, while system hardening practices such as disabling unnecessary web server features and implementing least privilege principles should be enforced to minimize potential attack surface.