CVE-2004-1793 in Switch Off
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in swnet.dll in YaSoft Switch Off 2.3 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a long message parameter in a SendMsg action to action.htm.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1793 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the swnet.dll library component of YaSoft Switch Off version 2.3 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the network communication handling mechanism of the software, specifically within the action.htm interface where the SendMsg action is processed. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate the length of message parameters submitted through network requests, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by authenticated remote attackers to gain control over the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the software's message processing pipeline. When a remote authenticated user submits a message parameter exceeding the allocated buffer space in memory, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack structure and allowing an attacker to overwrite critical program execution elements such as return addresses or function pointers. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which directly enables arbitrary code execution capabilities. The attack vector requires network access and authentication credentials, making it a remote authenticated code execution vulnerability that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the vulnerable software is deployed. The vulnerability affects organizations using YaSoft Switch Off software in their network infrastructure, particularly those with remote access capabilities or network management systems that utilize this specific component. The authentication requirement reduces the attack surface compared to fully unauthenticated vulnerabilities, but still presents a significant risk to organizations with compromised accounts or weak credential controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1793 should prioritize immediate software updates and patches provided by YaSoft or the vendor. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues within legacy systems. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous message parameter lengths and unusual network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege for accounts with access to the vulnerable interface will minimize potential damage from successful attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in network applications, emphasizing the need for secure coding standards and regular security testing of network infrastructure components.