CVE-2004-0397 in Subversion
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow during the apr_time_t data conversion in Subversion 1.0.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a (1) DAV2 REPORT query or (2) get-dated-rev svn-protocol command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0397 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in the Subversion version control system affecting releases 1.0.2 and earlier. This security defect occurs during the conversion process of apr_time_t data types, which are fundamental time handling structures within the Apache Portable Runtime library that Subversion utilizes for its operations. The flaw manifests when the system processes specific client requests that involve time-related data conversions, creating an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The vulnerability can be triggered through two distinct attack vectors that leverage different Subversion protocol mechanisms. The first vector involves a DAV2 REPORT query which is part of the WebDAV protocol implementation that Subversion uses for remote repository access. The second vector utilizes the get-dated-rev svn-protocol command that operates within the native Subversion protocol layer. Both attack paths allow remote adversaries to craft malicious requests that, when processed by the vulnerable Subversion server, cause the buffer overflow to occur during the apr_time_t conversion process. This conversion routine fails to properly validate input lengths, enabling attackers to overflow the allocated stack buffer and potentially overwrite return addresses and other critical execution data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides remote code execution capabilities to attackers who can successfully exploit the buffer overflow. When the stack overflow occurs, it can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the Subversion server process, which typically runs with elevated permissions to access repository data. This presents a significant risk for organizations that rely on Subversion for source code management, as attackers could gain access to sensitive source code repositories, modify or delete critical files, and potentially establish persistent access points within the development infrastructure. The vulnerability affects systems where Subversion servers are exposed to untrusted networks or where authentication is not properly enforced, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0397 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Subversion installations to version 1.0.3 or later where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit direct access to Subversion servers from untrusted networks, enforce strong authentication mechanisms, and monitor for suspicious DAV2 REPORT queries or svn-protocol commands that could indicate exploitation attempts. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow which categorizes buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers may leverage the executed code to establish further footholds. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and bounds checking in the apr_time_t conversion routines would prevent similar issues in future implementations, aligning with defensive coding practices recommended in the OWASP Top Ten and other security frameworks.