CVE-2004-0852 in htget
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in htget 0.93 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0852 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the htget utility version 0.93, which operates as a command-line HTTP client for retrieving web content. This software package, designed for network operations and web content fetching, contains a programming error that manifests when processing specially crafted Uniform Resource Locators. The flaw specifically occurs in the handling of URL input parameters where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overflow memory buffers allocated for storing URL components. The vulnerability resides in the application's inability to properly validate the length of input data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the htget application's URL parsing routine. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious URL containing excessive data in specific fields such as hostnames, paths, or query parameters, the application fails to enforce length restrictions on the destination buffers. This condition creates a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario where attacker-controlled data overwrites adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control flow information. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient boundary checking allows data to overwrite the stack frame. Attackers can exploit this weakness by constructing a URL that exceeds the allocated buffer size, causing the program to overwrite critical execution context and potentially redirect program flow to malicious code injected by the attacker.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-0852 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to network resources. Since htget operates as a network utility that can be invoked from various network contexts, an attacker with remote access to a system running vulnerable versions could gain complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability affects systems where htget is installed and accessible to untrusted users or network entities, potentially allowing attackers to execute malicious payloads with the privileges of the htget process. This represents a significant threat in environments where the utility is used for automated web content retrieval or integrated into network monitoring systems. The exploitability of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised system through the vulnerable application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0852 focus on immediate remediation through software updates and defensive programming practices. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of htget that implements proper input validation and buffer size enforcement mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running vulnerable versions of the utility. Additional defensive measures include input filtering at network boundaries, monitoring for suspicious URL patterns, and implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization. Security administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary network access to htget functionality and regularly auditing system configurations to ensure that vulnerable applications are not exposed to untrusted network traffic. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper memory management in network-facing applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework for preventing similar weaknesses in software development processes.