CVE-2002-2096 in NetWare
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Novell Remote Manager module, httpstk.nlm, in NetWare 5.1 and NetWare 6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long (1) username or (2) password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2096 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Novell Remote Manager module known as httpstk.nlm which is part of the NetWare 5.1 and NetWare 6 operating systems. This security weakness resides in the web server component that handles authentication requests, specifically when processing user credentials submitted during the login process. The flaw occurs when the system fails to properly validate the length of username and password inputs, allowing attackers to provide excessively long strings that exceed the allocated buffer space. This fundamental programming error creates a condition where memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries gets overwritten, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which is a well-documented weakness that has been the subject of numerous security advisories and attack vectors throughout the history of networked systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it allows remote exploitation without requiring any prior authentication or privileged access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the httpstk.nlm module that processes HTTP requests for the Novell Remote Manager service. When a user attempts to log in, the system accepts username and password parameters without enforcing strict length limits, allowing maliciously crafted input to overflow the designated memory buffers. This overflow can be strategically manipulated to overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting specially formatted HTTP requests containing excessively long username or password strings, which when processed by the vulnerable module result in the execution of malicious code with the privileges of the affected service. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no local access or authentication credentials, making it a classic remote code execution vulnerability that aligns with the tactics described in the ATT&CK framework under the T1203 technique for exploitation for privilege escalation. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects core networking services that are typically exposed to external networks, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to enterprise environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-2096 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected NetWare systems. Successful exploitation can result in data theft, system compromise, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Organizations running NetWare 5.1 and 6 systems face significant risk of unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, as the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. The remote nature of the attack means that organizations are vulnerable to exploitation from anywhere on the internet, making traditional network perimeter defenses insufficient for protection. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of critical business services that depend on NetWare infrastructure, potentially causing substantial financial and operational damage. The flaw's presence in widely deployed enterprise systems means that the potential attack surface is extensive, with numerous organizations likely to be affected. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as a high-priority risk requiring immediate remediation, particularly in environments where NetWare systems are still operational and exposed to external network traffic.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2096 must address both immediate protection and long-term system hardening. The primary recommendation involves applying the official security patches provided by Novell to address the buffer overflow vulnerability in the httpstk.nlm module. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable NetWare systems to external networks. Configuration changes including disabling unnecessary web services, implementing strict input validation at the network level, and monitoring for suspicious authentication attempts can provide additional layers of protection. Security teams should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious HTTP requests containing oversized username or password parameters. The ATT&CK framework suggests implementing defensive measures such as application whitelisting and runtime application control to prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potential buffer overflow issues within their legacy NetWare systems and implement comprehensive network monitoring to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be strengthened to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are identified and addressed promptly across all enterprise systems.