CVE-2003-0436 in mnoGoSearch
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in search.cgi for mnoGoSearch 3.1.20 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long ul parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0436 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in the mnoGoSearch search engine software version 3.1.20. This vulnerability specifically affects the search.cgi component which processes user input parameters. The flaw manifests when the ul parameter exceeds the allocated buffer size, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations. The mnoGoSearch software is commonly used for web content indexing and search functionality across various web applications, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could be exploited by remote attackers without requiring authentication or local access. The buffer overflow occurs during the processing of search queries where the ul parameter is not properly validated or sanitized before being copied into a fixed-size buffer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw operates through a classic buffer overrun scenario where the search.cgi script fails to validate the length of the ul parameter against the buffer capacity. When an attacker submits a maliciously crafted ul parameter that exceeds the predetermined buffer size, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting the stack frame or overwriting return addresses. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow to malicious code injected by the attacker, effectively allowing arbitrary code execution on the vulnerable system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer and does not require any special privileges or local system access to exploit.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain control over the web server running mnoGoSearch, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, or further lateral movement within the network. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet, making this vulnerability particularly attractive for automated attacks. Organizations using mnoGoSearch 3.1.20 are at risk of having their search functionality compromised, potentially allowing attackers to extract confidential information, modify search results, or use the compromised system as a launch point for additional attacks. The vulnerability also impacts the integrity of search results and can be used to manipulate search functionality for malicious purposes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0436 should focus on immediate patching of the mnoGoSearch software to version 3.1.21 or later, which contains the necessary buffer overflow protections and input validation fixes. Organizations should implement input validation measures to restrict the length of the ul parameter and apply proper bounds checking before processing user input. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation by restricting access to the vulnerable search functionality. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems and monitoring for unusual search parameter patterns can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider applying application-level firewalls or web application firewalls that can filter out malicious input patterns targeting this specific vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched software to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while eliminating the buffer overflow condition. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and systems that may be vulnerable to similar buffer overflow attacks.