CVE-2005-0338 in Savant Webserver
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Savant Web Server 3.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0338 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Savant Web Server version 3.1 that exposes remote attackers to potential code execution capabilities. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web server's request handling process, specifically when processing HTTP requests of excessive length. The flaw exists in the server's memory management system where it fails to properly bounds-check incoming data before storing it in fixed-size buffers, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts an HTTP request containing more data than the allocated buffer space can accommodate. When the Savant Web Server processes such a malformed request, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program execution structures including return addresses and function pointers. This memory corruption can be systematically exploited through carefully crafted payload sequences that overwrite the instruction pointer, redirecting program execution to malicious code injected by the attacker. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental weakness in software design that directly enables arbitrary code execution.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to web server security and system integrity. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The remote nature of the attack means that systems can be compromised from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access or prior authentication. Organizations running Savant Web Server 3.1 are particularly vulnerable as this flaw affects the core functionality of the web server, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and malicious actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to web infrastructure.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the Savant Web Server or applying vendor-provided security patches that address the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and memory bounds checking. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious HTTP request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and restricting access to web server ports can help reduce the attack surface and provide defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services, which emphasizes the importance of securing network services against buffer overflow attacks and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all server components. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any other instances of similar vulnerabilities within their web server infrastructure and implement comprehensive monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts.