CVE-2004-1343 in CVS
Summary
by MITRE
CVS 1.12 and earlier on Debian GNU/Linux does not properly handle when a mapping for the current repository does not exist in the cvs-repouids file, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (server crash).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1343 affects CVS version 1.12 and earlier installations running on Debian GNU/Linux systems. This issue stems from improper handling of repository mapping within the cvs-repouids file, creating a critical weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks against CVS servers. The flaw manifests when the system encounters a situation where no mapping exists for the current repository within the designated configuration file, leading to unpredictable server behavior and eventual system crash.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the CVS server's inadequate error handling mechanisms when processing repository identifiers. Specifically, when a client attempts to access a repository that lacks an associated mapping entry in the cvs-repouids file, the server fails to gracefully manage this condition. This improper error handling results in a segmentation fault or similar critical failure that terminates the CVS server process. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and error handling, which aligns with CWE-248, an issue category that encompasses improper exception handling in software systems. The flaw essentially creates a path where malformed or unexpected repository access requests can trigger server instability.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on CVS for version control management. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to repeatedly crash CVS servers, effectively denying legitimate users access to their version control systems. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as it can compromise the integrity of development workflows and potentially expose sensitive project data during server restarts or recovery processes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where CVS servers are publicly accessible or where attackers can gain network access to the system. According to ATT&CK framework category T1499, this vulnerability enables adversaries to perform disruption of services, which can be categorized under the broader tactic of disruption of services. The lack of proper error handling creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly without requiring privileged access or sophisticated attack techniques.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to CVS version 1.12.13 or later, which contains the necessary patches to properly handle repository mapping conditions. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to CVS servers and ensure that the cvs-repouids file is properly maintained with accurate repository mappings. System administrators should monitor server logs for unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts and implement automated monitoring solutions to detect service disruptions. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that repository configurations are properly maintained and that no orphaned repository entries exist that could trigger similar issues. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust error handling in server applications and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of edge cases in version control systems. Organizations should also consider implementing redundant version control infrastructure to minimize the impact of such service disruptions while maintaining development workflow continuity.