CVE-2003-0762 in Foxweb
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in (1) foxweb.dll and (2) foxweb.exe of Foxweb 2.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long URL (PATH_INFO value).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0762 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting Foxweb 2.5 components including foxweb.dll and foxweb.exe modules. This security weakness resides in the handling of URL parameters, specifically the PATH_INFO value, which serves as a critical input processing mechanism within the web application framework. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or limit the length of incoming URL parameters, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute malicious code on the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the Foxweb 2.5 web server components. When a malformed URL containing an excessively long PATH_INFO parameter is processed, the application's memory management routines fail to enforce proper bounds checking, allowing memory corruption to occur. This buffer overflow condition typically results in the overwrite of adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses and control data structures. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, addressing stack-based buffer overflow scenarios. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially designed URLs that exceed the allocated buffer space, causing the application to jump to malicious code injected into the memory space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, creating potential for complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges on the affected web server, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, system modification, or complete system takeover. The attack vector requires only a web browser or HTTP client capable of sending crafted requests, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation for privilege escalation through buffer overflow attacks, and T1190, covering exploitation of remote services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0762 require immediate patching of the Foxweb 2.5 software components to address the buffer overflow conditions in both foxweb.dll and foxweb.exe modules. Organizations should implement input validation measures that enforce strict limits on URL parameter lengths, particularly for PATH_INFO values, before they reach the vulnerable application components. Network-level defenses including firewall rules and web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and restrict unusually long URL requests. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting controls to prevent execution of unauthorized code and employ intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched components to ensure that the buffer overflow conditions have been properly addressed while maintaining application functionality. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other web application components and ensure comprehensive protection against similar exploitation vectors.