CVE-2004-2463 in Imgsvr
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in ADA Image Server (ImgSvr) 0.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (web server crash) or execute arbitrary code via a long GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2463 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the ADA Image Server version 0.4, specifically affecting the ImgSvr component. This issue arises from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly handle excessively long GET requests submitted to the web server. The buffer overflow vulnerability manifests when the server processes a malformed HTTP GET request containing an abnormally long parameter string, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized control over the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the server's failure to implement proper bounds checking on incoming request parameters. When a GET request containing a buffer overflow payload is received, the ImgSvr application attempts to store the excessive data within a fixed-size memory buffer without sufficient validation. This fundamental flaw allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program execution flow. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and can be classified under CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The attack vector operates through standard HTTP protocols, making it accessible to remote adversaries without requiring local system access or elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Remote attackers can leverage this buffer overflow to cause web server crashes, resulting in service disruption and potential data loss. More critically, the vulnerability enables arbitrary code execution, allowing malicious actors to install backdoors, modify system files, or establish persistent access to the compromised server. This poses significant risks to organizations relying on the ADA Image Server for image processing services, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system takeover and unauthorized data access. The vulnerability affects web server availability and integrity, creating potential for data breaches and unauthorized system control. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers can execute arbitrary code through the compromised server.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2463 require immediate implementation of several protective measures to prevent exploitation. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest version of ADA Image Server that contains patched buffer overflow protections, as this represents the most effective long-term solution. Network-level defenses should include implementing web application firewalls with signature-based detection capabilities specifically designed to identify and block long GET request patterns. Input validation controls must be strengthened at the application level by implementing strict parameter length limits and robust sanitization routines for all HTTP GET requests. Additionally, system administrators should configure the server to limit concurrent connections and implement rate limiting to prevent exploitation attempts. The implementation of proper memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that the vulnerability has been properly addressed and to identify potential new attack vectors that may emerge from similar implementation flaws.