CVE-2004-2016 in Subnet Chat Application
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the HTTP server in NetChat 7.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2016 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the HTTP server component of NetChat version 7.3 and earlier systems. This issue arises from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or limit the length of GET request parameters processed by the affected server software. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where user-supplied data is directly copied into a fixed-size stack buffer without proper bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized control over the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of HTTP GET requests containing excessively long parameter strings. When a malicious user submits a specially crafted GET request with a payload exceeding the allocated buffer size, the overflow occurs as the server attempts to store the oversized input in a predetermined stack memory location. This memory corruption can overwrite adjacent stack variables, return addresses, and potentially executable code segments, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code. The flaw aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to systems running affected NetChat versions as it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication or prior access to the system. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary commands on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web servers. The attack vector through HTTP GET requests also implies that the vulnerability could be triggered through web-based exploitation techniques, including malicious links or automated scanning tools that probe for vulnerable services.
The security implications extend beyond immediate system compromise to include potential lateral movement within networks and establishment of persistent access points. Once exploited, attackers can leverage the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks against internal network resources, potentially escalating privileges and accessing sensitive data or systems. Organizations running affected NetChat versions face significant exposure risks, particularly those with web-facing servers or systems that process external HTTP requests. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical gap in input validation practices and highlights the importance of implementing robust memory safety mechanisms in network services. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected systems, implementing network-level restrictions to limit access to vulnerable services, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability exemplifies the fundamental security principle that input validation must be performed at multiple layers of application architecture, particularly for network-facing services. The flaw represents a classic example of how insufficient bounds checking in memory management can create exploitable conditions that bypass traditional security controls. Organizations should consider implementing comprehensive security testing practices including dynamic analysis and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their systems. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping network services updated with the latest security patches and maintaining awareness of known vulnerabilities through security bulletins and threat intelligence feeds. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communications, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms that attackers can leverage after initial compromise.