CVE-2004-0455 in www-sql
Summary
by MITRE
buffer overflow in cgi.c in www-sql before 0.5.7 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a web page that is processed by www-sql.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0455 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw located within the cgi.c component of the www-sql web application framework version 0.5.6 and earlier. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and memory management practices during the processing of web pages through the www-sql framework, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation that can result in complete system compromise. The vulnerability specifically affects the local user attack vector, meaning that an attacker must already have access to the system to exploit this weakness, though the privilege escalation potential remains significant.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from improper handling of user-supplied input within the cgi.c source file, where fixed-size buffers are used without adequate bounds checking mechanisms. When a web page is processed through the www-sql framework, the application fails to validate the length of input data before copying it into these predetermined memory buffers. This classic programming error allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions that occur when data is copied into a buffer without proper boundary checks, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices outlined in the CWE database.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to systems running affected versions of www-sql, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Local users who can manipulate web page content or influence the application's input processing can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with the privileges of the www-sql process, potentially escalating to root or administrator access depending on the system configuration. The attack requires minimal sophistication and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application processes untrusted web content. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, demonstrating how a single buffer overflow can enable multiple attack vectors within the adversary's operational framework.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0455 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 0.5.7 or later, which includes proper input validation and buffer size enforcement mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization procedures and deploy robust memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention features to reduce the exploitability of similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other applications using similar code patterns that might be susceptible to comparable buffer overflow conditions. The remediation process should include monitoring for suspicious activity related to web application processing and implementing network segmentation to limit potential attack surface. Regular security audits and code reviews focusing on memory management practices should be established to prevent similar issues from emerging in future software development cycles, aligning with industry best practices for secure software development lifecycle implementation.