CVE-2005-0390 in Axel
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the HTTP redirection capability in conn.c for Axel before 1.0b may allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0390 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Axel download manager software version 1.0b and earlier. This issue specifically affects the HTTP redirection handling mechanism implemented in the conn.c source file, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation when processing HTTP redirect responses, particularly when the application encounters redirection URLs that exceed predetermined buffer limits.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from improper bounds checking within the connection management component of Axel. When the software processes HTTP redirects, it fails to adequately validate the length of redirect URLs before copying them into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs because the application does not perform sufficient boundary checks to ensure that incoming redirect data fits within allocated memory space. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where attacker-controlled input can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of Axel. An attacker could craft malicious HTTP responses containing overly long redirect URLs that trigger the buffer overflow condition, potentially allowing them to overwrite critical program execution flow. This capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution, as successful exploitation could result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected process. The vulnerability affects systems where Axel is used for downloading content, particularly in environments where users might encounter untrusted web content or be subjected to man-in-the-middle attacks.
Systems at risk include any installation of Axel version 1.0b or earlier that processes HTTP redirects, particularly those used in automated download scenarios or environments where users might encounter malicious web content. The vulnerability is especially concerning in contexts where Axel operates with elevated privileges or where users might be tricked into downloading content from malicious sources. Organizations using Axel for legitimate file downloads should consider the risk of exploitation through malicious redirect chains or compromised web servers that could serve specially crafted HTTP responses. The remediation strategy involves upgrading to Axel version 1.0b or later, which implements proper bounds checking and input validation for HTTP redirect processing. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing web filtering solutions and monitoring for unusual redirect patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix addresses the underlying CWE-121 issue by ensuring that all input data is properly validated against buffer size limitations before memory operations occur, thereby preventing the overwrite conditions that enable arbitrary code execution.