CVE-2003-0410 in AnalogX
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in AnalogX Proxy 4.13 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long URL to port 6588.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0410 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in AnalogX Proxy version 4.13 that exposes systems to remote code execution attacks. This issue specifically affects the proxy server's handling of URL requests directed to port 6588, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the software's memory management weaknesses. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and buffer size enforcement within the application's network processing routines, where user-supplied URL data is directly copied into fixed-size memory buffers without proper bounds checking.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the proxy server's failure to properly validate the length of incoming URL parameters when processing requests on the designated port. When an attacker crafts a maliciously long URL and submits it to the vulnerable proxy service, the application attempts to store this excessive data in a predetermined memory buffer that cannot accommodate the overflow. This buffer overrun condition creates an opportunity for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses and executable code segments, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the proxy service process. The vulnerability manifests through the application's network stack processing, specifically in the URL parsing and handling components that manage incoming HTTP requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to compromised systems and potentially broader network infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish backdoors, escalate privileges, or use the compromised proxy server as a pivot point for further network reconnaissance and lateral movement activities. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to initiate attacks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where proxy services are exposed to untrusted networks. The specific port 6588 designation suggests this vulnerability affects a specialized proxy implementation that may be used in enterprise environments for content filtering, caching, or network management purposes, amplifying the potential impact on organizational security postures.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through vendor-provided patches or updates addressing the buffer overflow condition in AnalogX Proxy 4.13. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable proxy services to untrusted networks, while monitoring network traffic for suspicious patterns indicating exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions in stack-based memory structures, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that enables code injection attacks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving remote code execution through software vulnerabilities, potentially enabling adversaries to establish persistent access and move laterally within networks. Additionally, implementing network-based intrusion detection systems and applying principle of least privilege configurations for proxy services can help reduce the attack surface and mitigate potential exploitation scenarios. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in network services, emphasizing that even legacy applications require regular security assessments and updates to maintain operational security integrity.