CVE-2003-0409 in Webweaver
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in BRS WebWeaver 1.04 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP (1) POST or (2) HEAD request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0409 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within BRS WebWeaver version 1.04 and earlier implementations. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly handle excessively long HTTP POST or HEAD requests, creating a scenario where malicious actors can exploit the software's memory management weaknesses to compromise system integrity. The vulnerability resides in the web server's handling of HTTP request data, specifically when processing user-supplied content that exceeds predetermined buffer limits.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP request containing an abnormally long payload that exceeds the allocated memory buffer size. When the web server processes this malformed request, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical program structures or overwriting return addresses within the call stack. This memory corruption can result in unpredictable program behavior, including application crashes that manifest as denial of service conditions. The vulnerability's severity escalates significantly when considering that the overflow may allow for arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to gain unauthorized control over the affected system.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to organizations relying on BRS WebWeaver for web hosting services or internal network applications. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from outside the network perimeter without requiring physical access or prior authentication. The potential for both denial of service and remote code execution creates multiple attack vectors that could compromise system availability, data integrity, and overall network security posture. Security teams face the challenge of identifying vulnerable systems within their infrastructure and implementing timely remediation measures to prevent exploitation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking allows data to overflow into adjacent memory locations. This classification reflects the fundamental nature of the flaw where the web server's input handling does not properly enforce buffer size limitations, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate program execution flow. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1203 technique for "Exploitation for Client Execution" when considering the potential for arbitrary code execution, while also mapping to T1499 for "Network Denial of Service" when focusing on the denial of service impact. Organizations must implement robust input validation controls, memory protection mechanisms, and regular security assessments to mitigate the risk of such buffer overflow vulnerabilities. The remediation approach should include immediate patching of affected systems, implementation of web application firewalls, and enhanced monitoring for suspicious HTTP request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.