CVE-2002-2295 in Pico Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Pico Server (pServ) 2.0 beta 1 through beta 5 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via (1) a 1024-byte TCP stream message, which triggers an off-by-one buffer overflow, or (2) a long method name in an HTTP request, (3) a long version number in an HTTP request, (4) a long User-Agent header, or (5) a long file path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2295 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in Pico Server version 2.0 beta 1 through beta 5, exposing systems to remote exploitation that can result in denial of service conditions and potential arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability resides within the web server implementation and affects multiple HTTP request parameters, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can leverage various vectors to trigger the flaw.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management within the Pico Server software. The buffer overflow occurs when processing TCP stream messages exceeding 1024 bytes, creating an off-by-one error that corrupts adjacent memory regions. Additionally, the flaw extends to HTTP request handling where long method names, version numbers, User-Agent headers, and file paths can all trigger similar buffer overflow conditions. These vulnerabilities map directly to CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to information disclosure or system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable complete system compromise. Remote attackers can exploit these buffer overflows to cause the web server to crash, resulting in denial of service that can persist until manual intervention occurs. More critically, the nature of buffer overflow vulnerabilities in this context allows for potential code execution, enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to the affected system. The attack surface is particularly broad as multiple HTTP request components can be leveraged, making detection and mitigation more challenging for system administrators.
The exploitation of CVE-2002-2295 aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and execution phases. The vulnerability's remote exploitability places it within the initial access category, while the potential for code execution maps to the execution tactic. The specific attack vectors demonstrate how attackers can leverage HTTP protocol handling flaws to achieve their objectives. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious HTTP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's presence in beta software versions highlights the importance of thorough security testing before deployment and the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected Pico Server installations, as no reliable workarounds exist for this particular vulnerability. System administrators should implement input validation measures and consider deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious HTTP requests. Additionally, monitoring for unusual TCP stream patterns and HTTP request sizes can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management and bounds checking in server applications, emphasizing the need for regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar flaws in other software components. Organizations should also implement robust patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of known vulnerabilities.