CVE-2004-2117 in Tiny Server
Summary
by MITRE
Tiny Server 1.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via malformed HTTP requests such as (1) a GET request without the HTTP version (HTTP/1.1), or (2) a request without GET or the HTTP version.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2117 affects Tiny Server version 1.1, a lightweight web server implementation that was commonly used in embedded systems and small-scale deployments. This vulnerability represents a classic example of inadequate input validation and error handling in network services, where the server fails to properly process malformed HTTP requests that would normally be handled gracefully by more robust web server implementations. The flaw exists within the HTTP request parsing mechanism, specifically in how the server processes the initial request line that contains the method, URI, and HTTP version information. The vulnerability demonstrates a lack of proper protocol compliance checking that is fundamental to secure network service operation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the server's failure to validate the structure and content of HTTP request lines before attempting to process them. When a remote attacker sends a GET request that lacks the HTTP version specification or omits the GET method entirely, Tiny Server 1.1 does not implement proper error handling or request validation mechanisms. This results in the server crashing or becoming unresponsive, effectively causing a denial of service condition that prevents legitimate users from accessing the service. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication or special privileges to exploit, making it a straightforward remote attack vector that can be executed by any internet-connected attacker. According to CWE standards, this corresponds to CWE-129, which deals with insufficient input validation, and CWE-20, which covers input validation issues that can lead to crashes and service disruptions.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2117 extends beyond simple service interruption, as it can be leveraged as part of broader attack strategies within the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1499 category for network denial of service. In embedded environments where Tiny Server 1.1 might be deployed, such as IoT devices, network appliances, or legacy systems, this vulnerability can provide attackers with a reliable method to disrupt operations without requiring sophisticated techniques or extensive reconnaissance. The crash condition affects the availability aspect of the CIA triad, potentially leading to cascading failures in systems that depend on the affected server for functionality. Organizations with multiple instances of this server implementation across their network infrastructure could experience widespread service disruption, particularly if the vulnerability is exploited in a coordinated manner against multiple targets. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing proper error handling and defensive programming practices that are essential for maintaining system stability and security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2117 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a newer version of Tiny Server that properly implements HTTP protocol compliance checking or replacing the vulnerable server with a more robust implementation such as Apache HTTP Server, nginx, or other well-maintained web server solutions. Network-level mitigations can include implementing intrusion detection systems that monitor for malformed HTTP requests and blocking suspicious traffic patterns. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation at the network level using firewalls or proxy servers that can filter out malformed requests before they reach the vulnerable server. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing comprehensive testing procedures that include protocol compliance validation, as recommended by ISO/IEC 27001 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure rapid response to service disruptions.