CVE-2003-0224 in IIS
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in ssinc.dll for Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) 5.0 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a web page with a Server Side Include (SSI) directive with a long filename, aka "Server Side Include Web Pages Buffer Overrun."
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0224 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the ssinc.dll component of Microsoft Internet Information Services version 5.0. This issue specifically affects the Server Side Include processing functionality that enables dynamic content generation on web servers. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the SSI directive handling code, particularly when processing filenames that exceed predetermined buffer limits. The flaw exists in the core web server component responsible for parsing and executing server-side includes, making it a fundamental security weakness in the IIS 5.0 architecture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local attacker crafts a malicious web page containing an SSI directive with an excessively long filename parameter. When IIS processes this malformed request through the vulnerable ssinc.dll module, the buffer overflow condition manifests as the system attempts to store the oversized filename string beyond the allocated memory buffer space. This memory corruption typically results in unpredictable program behavior, potential application crashes, or more severely, complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified as a classic stack-based buffer overflow with direct code execution capabilities, representing a significant threat to server security and system integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full system compromise and unauthorized code execution. Local users with access to the web server environment can leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the affected system. The attack vector requires local access to the server environment, but once exploited, the consequences can be devastating as attackers can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the IIS service account. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on server-side include exploitation. The vulnerability affects organizations running IIS 5.0 in production environments, particularly those without proper security hardening measures or regular patch management procedures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must include immediate application of Microsoft security patches and updates to address the buffer overflow condition in ssinc.dll. Organizations should implement comprehensive network segmentation and access controls to limit local user privileges on web server systems. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual SSI directive usage patterns and anomalous file access attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should consider disabling unnecessary SSI functionality when not required for web application operations, reducing the attack surface available to potential attackers. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing proper input validation controls in web server components. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems and regular security assessments can help identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in production environments. This case demonstrates the critical importance of addressing buffer overflow vulnerabilities in server-side applications and highlights the need for robust security practices throughout the software development lifecycle.