CVE-2003-0651 in mod_mylo
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the mylo_log logging function for mod_mylo 0.2.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0651 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the mod_mylo Apache module version 0.2.1 and earlier. This issue resides in the mylo_log function which handles logging operations for the module. The buffer overflow occurs when processing HTTP GET requests containing excessive data, creating a condition where attacker-controlled input can overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability specifically affects web servers running Apache with the mod_mylo module installed, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on this logging functionality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental principle of buffer overflow attacks where insufficient input validation allows malicious data to exceed the allocated buffer space. When a remote attacker sends a specially crafted HTTP GET request containing an excessively long parameter value, the mylo_log function fails to properly bounds-check the input data before copying it into a fixed-size buffer. This failure results in memory corruption that can be manipulated to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data within the program's execution context. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121 which categorizes buffer overflow conditions that occur when data is written beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length buffer, and aligns with CWE-787 which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain unauthorized access to affected systems. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process. This presents a severe risk to web server infrastructure and potentially broader network security. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it an attractive target for automated attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and script interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the initial compromise typically occurs through web application exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0651 require immediate action to address the root cause through software updates and configuration changes. The primary remediation involves upgrading to mod_mylo version 0.2.2 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms to prevent buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should also implement input validation at the web application firewall level, filtering out unusually long HTTP GET parameters before they reach the vulnerable module. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential damage if exploitation occurs, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous HTTP GET request patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date web server components and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against such critical security flaws. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues across the entire infrastructure.