CVE-2004-0292 in Sami HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in KarjaSoft Sami HTTP Server 1.0.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0292 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the KarjaSoft Sami HTTP Server version 1.0.4, classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow. This security defect arises from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the server's handling of HTTP GET requests, specifically when processing excessively long request strings that exceed the allocated buffer space. The flaw exists in the server's protocol implementation where it fails to properly sanitize or limit the length of incoming HTTP headers and request parameters, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers without authentication requirements.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP GET request containing an abnormally long string of characters that surpasses the predetermined buffer limits within the server's memory allocation. When the vulnerable server processes this malformed request, the excessive data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical program execution structures including return addresses and stack pointers. This memory corruption can result in immediate program termination and system crash, constituting a denial of service condition that disrupts legitimate service availability. In certain scenarios where the overflow can be precisely controlled, attackers may be able to manipulate the overwritten memory locations to redirect program execution flow, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution on the affected system. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges and can be executed from any network location capable of reaching the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the entire server infrastructure and underlying network resources. Organizations running the affected KarjaSoft Sami HTTP Server version 1.0.4 face significant risks including unauthorized access to system resources, data interception, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution and T1499 - Endpoint Denial of Service, demonstrating how a single flaw can enable both service disruption and privilege escalation pathways. System administrators may experience cascading failures as compromised servers could serve as entry points for more sophisticated attacks, particularly in environments where multiple services rely on the same vulnerable infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0292 should prioritize immediate patching of the vulnerable software to the latest available version that addresses the buffer overflow condition. Organizations must implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable servers to untrusted networks, utilizing firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious HTTP traffic patterns. Input validation mechanisms should be enhanced at multiple network layers including application firewalls and web application firewalls to filter out malformed requests before they reach the vulnerable server components. Additionally, implementing robust logging and monitoring capabilities enables security teams to detect and respond to exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs, particularly for legacy systems that may not receive ongoing support or security updates. Organizations should also consider deploying automated patch management solutions to ensure timely remediation of known vulnerabilities and reduce the window of exposure for similar buffer overflow conditions.