CVE-2004-1946 in httpd
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the PRINT_ERROR function in common.c for Cherokee Web Server 0.4.16 and earlier allows local users to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the -C command line argument. NOTE: it is not clear whether this issue could be exploited remotely, or if Cherokee is running at escalated privileges. Therefore it might not be a vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2018
The CVE-2004-1946 vulnerability represents a critical format string flaw within the Cherokee Web Server version 0.4.16 and earlier installations. This vulnerability specifically targets the PRINT_ERROR function located in the common.c source file, creating a potential pathway for malicious exploitation. The flaw manifests when the web server processes command line arguments, particularly the -C argument, which is susceptible to format string specifiers that can be manipulated by local users. Format string vulnerabilities occur when a program uses user-supplied input as a format string parameter without proper validation or sanitization, allowing attackers to control how the printf family of functions interprets the input data.
The technical execution of this vulnerability hinges on the improper handling of user input within the PRINT_ERROR function, which is a common pattern in C programming where developers may inadvertently expose the application to format string attacks. When the -C command line argument contains format specifiers such as %x, %s, or %n, the vulnerable function processes these without adequate input validation, potentially leading to memory corruption, information disclosure, or arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-134 category, which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection. The vulnerability's classification as potentially exploitable by local users suggests it may require some form of local access or privilege escalation, though the exact scope of exploitation remains ambiguous according to the original advisory.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1946 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise if exploited successfully. Local users with access to the system can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access, escalate privileges, or extract sensitive information from memory locations. The web server's operation at elevated privileges would significantly amplify the potential damage, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute malicious code with the same permissions as the web server process. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of using user-supplied data directly within format string functions. The ambiguity regarding remote exploitability or privilege requirements indicates that while the vulnerability exists, its practical exploitation window may be limited, yet it remains a serious concern for system administrators who must consider both local and potential remote attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1946 should focus on immediate patching of the Cherokee Web Server to version 0.4.17 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the format string vulnerability. System administrators should also implement strict input validation procedures for all command line arguments and ensure that the web server operates with minimal required privileges. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, limiting the web server's capabilities to prevent escalation of privileges even if exploitation occurs. Additionally, monitoring for unusual command line argument patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit local access to web server installations, reducing the attack surface for local privilege escalation vectors. Regular security audits and code reviews focusing on format string handling practices should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles.