CVE-2004-0398 in Webdav Client
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the ne_rfc1036_parse date parsing function for the neon library (libneon) 0.24.5 and earlier, as used by cadaver before 0.22, allows remote WebDAV servers to execute arbitrary code on the client.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0398 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the neon library's ne_rfc1036_parse date parsing function. This flaw affects neon library versions 0.24.5 and earlier, which were subsequently utilized by the cadaver WebDAV client before version 0.22. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation during the parsing of date strings that conform to RFC 1036 format, a standard commonly used in HTTP headers and WebDAV communications. When a malicious WebDAV server sends a specially crafted date header containing overly long data, the parsing function fails to properly bounds-check the heap-allocated buffer, creating an exploitable condition.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the ne_rfc1036_parse function attempting to store date information in a heap-allocated buffer without adequate size verification. This function processes date strings that may contain timezone information, day names, month names, and numeric date components, all of which can be manipulated to exceed the allocated buffer boundaries. The heap-based nature of the overflow means that memory corruption occurs in the heap segment rather than on the stack, making exploitation more complex but still highly effective. Attackers can craft date headers that, when processed by the vulnerable client, overwrite adjacent heap memory, potentially corrupting pointers, function return addresses, or other critical data structures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it allows remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on the client system. This represents a significant threat in WebDAV environments where users may connect to untrusted servers, as the attack can be initiated without user interaction. The vulnerability affects any system running cadaver or other applications that depend on the vulnerable neon library version, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where WebDAV clients are commonly deployed. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it can be triggered through normal WebDAV operations when connecting to malicious servers, requiring no special user actions beyond establishing a connection.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary solution involves updating to neon library versions 0.25.0 or later, where the buffer overflow has been corrected through proper bounds checking and input validation. Additionally, system administrators should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict WebDAV server access to trusted environments only. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow classification and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution through vulnerable client applications. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual WebDAV traffic patterns and ensure that all WebDAV clients are regularly updated to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the broader software ecosystem.