CVE-2005-0523 in Download Accelerator
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in ProZilla 1.3.7.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the Location header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0523 represents a critical format string vulnerability affecting ProZilla version 1.3.7.3 and earlier. This flaw exists within the application's handling of HTTP response headers, specifically the Location header which is commonly used in HTTP redirects. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data that flows directly into format string functions without adequate protection. When a malicious attacker crafts a specially formatted Location header containing format specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x, the application processes this data through a vulnerable printf-style function, leading to potential memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data, making it a well-documented and dangerous class of vulnerability in software security.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when ProZilla receives an HTTP response containing a malicious Location header. The application's code path that processes this header fails to properly sanitize the input before passing it to a format string function, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow. Attackers can leverage this weakness to overwrite critical memory locations, inject malicious code into the application's memory space, or cause a denial of service through stack corruption. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution without requiring any local privileges or user interaction, making it a severe threat in networked environments where ProZilla might be processing untrusted HTTP responses from web servers or proxy servers.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-0523 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass broader system compromise potential. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability can allow attackers to gain complete control over the affected system running ProZilla, potentially enabling them to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects not only individual user systems but also enterprise environments where ProZilla might be deployed as part of larger download management or web proxy infrastructures. Organizations using affected versions of ProZilla face significant risk of unauthorized access and data breaches, particularly in scenarios where the application processes web content from untrusted sources or operates in environments with limited network segmentation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0523 focus primarily on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of ProZilla, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent software releases. System administrators should implement network monitoring to detect and block malicious HTTP responses containing suspicious format specifiers in Location headers. The implementation of input validation and sanitization measures within the application code, including explicit string formatting using safe functions like snprintf instead of vulnerable printf functions, provides additional protection layers. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls or proxy configurations that filter out potentially malicious headers before they reach the vulnerable application. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving command and control communications and privilege escalation, making it a critical target for defensive measures including network segmentation, access controls, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation attempts.