CVE-2004-0417 in CVS
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the "Max-dotdot" CVS protocol command (serve_max_dotdot) for CVS 1.12.x through 1.12.8, and 1.11.x through 1.11.16, may allow remote attackers to cause a server crash, which could cause temporary data to remain undeleted and consume disk space.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0417 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the Concurrent Versions System (CVS) protocol implementation that affects multiple versions of the software. This flaw specifically manifests in the "Max-dotdot" command handling mechanism known as serve_max_dotdot, which is responsible for processing directory traversal sequences in CVS operations. The vulnerability exists in CVS versions 1.12.x through 1.12.8 and 1.11.x through 1.11.16, creating a persistent security risk across a significant portion of the CVS user base during that time period.
The technical exploitation of this integer overflow occurs when a remote attacker sends a specially crafted Max-dotdot command to a vulnerable CVS server. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and improper handling of integer values during the processing of directory traversal sequences. When the server attempts to calculate or store the maximum dotdot sequence value, an integer overflow condition causes the system to miscalculate memory allocation or buffer boundaries. This overflow results in unpredictable behavior that can lead to server crashes, with the system failing to properly handle the malformed input sequence.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to include potential data integrity concerns and resource consumption issues. When the server crashes due to the integer overflow, temporary files and data structures may remain in an inconsistent state, leading to undeleted temporary data that continues to consume disk space. This creates a denial of service condition that can progressively degrade system performance and potentially lead to complete service unavailability. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in environments where CVS servers handle high volumes of concurrent operations, as the crash conditions can cascade and affect multiple users simultaneously.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1499 category for network denial of service attacks. The vulnerability represents a classic example of how seemingly benign protocol handling can become a vector for system compromise. Organizations using vulnerable CVS versions should prioritize immediate patching or mitigation strategies, as the integer overflow creates a reliable crash condition that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring elevated privileges. The issue highlights the importance of proper input validation and integer boundary checking in network services, particularly those handling user-supplied data sequences in protocol implementations.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate deployment of patched CVS versions that address the integer overflow in the serve_max_dotdot function. System administrators should implement network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that all CVS servers are updated to versions that contain proper input validation and integer overflow protection mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing access controls and authentication measures to limit exposure to this vulnerability, as the remote exploitation capability makes it particularly dangerous in unsecured network environments.