CVE-2004-0039 in Firewall-1
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple format string vulnerabilities in HTTP Application Intelligence (AI) component in Check Point Firewall-1 NG-AI R55 and R54, and Check Point Firewall-1 HTTP Security Server included with NG FP1, FP2, and FP3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via HTTP requests that cause format string specifiers to be used in an error message, as demonstrated using the scheme of a URI.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0039 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the HTTP Application Intelligence component of Check Point Firewall-1 NG-AI products. This flaw exists in versions R55 and R54 of the Firewall-1 NG-AI software, as well as in the HTTP Security Server included with NG FP1, FP2, and FP3 releases. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the HTTP request processing pipeline where user-supplied data containing format specifiers is directly incorporated into error messages without proper sanitization or encoding.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers craft specially formatted HTTP requests that contain format string specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x within URI schemes. When the vulnerable system processes these requests and subsequently generates error messages containing the unvalidated user input, the format string vulnerability is triggered. This occurs because the application's logging or error reporting functions use the user-supplied data directly in printf-style functions without proper parameter validation. The CWE-134 classification applies here as the application uses user-controlled data as a format string, creating a classic format string vulnerability that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Attackers can potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system with the privileges of the running process, typically the firewall service account. This could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to escalate privileges, install backdoors, or establish persistent access to the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core security functionality of the firewall appliance, potentially compromising the entire network security posture by enabling attackers to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized access to protected network segments. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from outside the network perimeter without requiring physical access or prior authentication.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of vendor-provided patches and updates for the affected Check Point Firewall-1 NG-AI products. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks. The ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell could be relevant for post-exploitation activities if attackers gain access, while T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS may be used for command and control communications. Network monitoring should focus on unusual HTTP traffic patterns and malformed URI requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization in all HTTP request processing components, along with regular security assessments of network security appliances, would help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.