CVE-2004-0288 in mnoGoSearch
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the UdmDocToTextBuf function in mnoGoSearch 3.2.13 through 3.2.15 could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by indexing a large document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0288 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the mnoGoSearch search engine software version 3.2.13 through 3.2.15. This issue resides in the UdmDocToTextBuf function which processes document indexing operations, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system through carefully crafted large document inputs. The buffer overflow occurs when the software fails to properly validate the size of incoming document data before processing it through the text extraction routine, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for malicious purposes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the document processing pipeline. When mnoGoSearch encounters a document exceeding predetermined buffer limits during the UdmDocToTextBuf processing phase, the software's failure to enforce proper boundary checks results in data overflow into adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption can overwrite critical program variables, function return addresses, or other executable code segments, thereby enabling attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service. The vulnerability specifically targets the software's text extraction capabilities where it attempts to convert document content into searchable text format, making it particularly dangerous for systems that process untrusted document inputs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential denial of service conditions. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable versions of mnoGoSearch, potentially escalating privileges and establishing persistent access points within network environments. The attack vector requires only the ability to submit documents for indexing, making it particularly dangerous for web applications or services that accept user-uploaded content for search indexing. Organizations utilizing these vulnerable versions face significant risks including data breaches, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure, especially when the search engine processes documents from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0288 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the buffer overflow vulnerability through proper input validation and memory boundary checks. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable mnoGoSearch installations to untrusted networks or users. The implementation of input sanitization measures and document size limits can provide additional defense-in-depth layers, while regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should monitor for similar memory corruption issues in other software components. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures to address potential compromise scenarios. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions as critical memory safety issues, and may map to ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and control through code execution, highlighting the need for comprehensive security hardening measures.