CVE-2004-1350 in Java System Web Proxy Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in Sun Java System Web Proxy Server (formerly Sun ONE Proxy Server) 3.6 through 3.6 SP4 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors, possibly CONNECT requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The Sun Java System Web Proxy Server 3.6 through 3.6 SP4 contains multiple buffer overflow vulnerabilities that represent critical security weaknesses in the proxy server implementation. These vulnerabilities specifically affect the handling of CONNECT requests, which are fundamental components of HTTP proxy operations used for establishing secure connections through proxy servers. The flaw exists in the server's protocol parsing logic where insufficient input validation and boundary checking allows maliciously crafted requests to overflow buffer structures in memory. This vulnerability type aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The impact of these buffer overflows extends beyond simple denial of service, as they provide attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system with the privileges of the proxy server process. Given that proxy servers typically operate with elevated privileges to handle network traffic between clients and destination servers, successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise and unauthorized access to protected network resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1350 is severe and multifaceted, affecting organizations that rely on Sun Java System Web Proxy Server for their network infrastructure. Attackers exploiting these vulnerabilities could gain unauthorized access to the proxy server, potentially using it as a pivot point to access internal network resources that would otherwise be protected by firewalls and network segmentation. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the server or network, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with public-facing proxy services. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.001 for application layer protocol usage and T1059 for command and script injection, as attackers could leverage the buffer overflow to inject malicious code and establish persistent access. The timing of this vulnerability's discovery and exploitation during 2004 highlights the importance of vulnerability management and patching, as many organizations were likely running unpatched versions of the software for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1350 require immediate action from system administrators and security teams to address the vulnerable proxy server installations. The primary remediation involves applying the official patches released by Sun Microsystems for versions 3.6 through 3.6 SP4, which contain the necessary code fixes to prevent buffer overflow conditions in the CONNECT request handling. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the proxy server, particularly by blocking unnecessary CONNECT requests and implementing strict access controls. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous CONNECT request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, utilizing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation signatures. From a defensive standpoint, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and boundary checking in network services, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry standards. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting and privilege separation techniques to limit the potential impact should a buffer overflow occur, ensuring that even if exploitation were successful, the attacker's access would be constrained to the minimum necessary privileges. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable network services and ensure that similar buffer overflow protections are implemented across their infrastructure.