CVE-2005-0608 in WebMod
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in server.cpp for WebMod 0.47 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and execute arbitrary code via a POST request with a Content-Length that is less than the amount of data that is actually sent.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0608 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the server.cpp component of WebMod version 0.47, a web server application that was widely used in enterprise environments during the early 2000s. This flaw resides in the HTTP request processing logic where the application fails to properly validate the relationship between the Content-Length header and the actual data payload. The vulnerability specifically manifests when a remote attacker crafts a malicious POST request that contains a Content-Length field indicating a smaller data size than what is actually transmitted to the server. This discrepancy creates a condition where the application allocates insufficient heap memory to accommodate the full data payload, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited for arbitrary code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient memory is allocated for data processing. The flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no authentication or privileged access to exploit. When an attacker sends a malformed POST request with a deliberately manipulated Content-Length header, the web server's parsing routine allocates a buffer based on the reported size while the actual data exceeds this boundary. This memory corruption can result in stack smashing, pointer corruption, or other forms of memory instability that allow attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the server process context. The vulnerability directly impacts the availability and integrity of the web server service, providing attackers with potential persistence mechanisms and privilege escalation opportunities.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-0608 extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass full system compromise capabilities, as demonstrated by the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for command and control execution. Organizations running affected WebMod versions face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and complete system takeover. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to persistent backdoor access, data exfiltration, and further network propagation. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability was particularly dangerous in corporate environments where WebMod was commonly deployed for internal web services, as it could provide attackers with a foothold for lateral movement and privilege escalation. The timing of this vulnerability's discovery and disclosure coincided with a period when many organizations were still implementing basic security controls, making the impact more severe.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0608 require immediate action including patching the WebMod application to version 0.48 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for proper Content-Length validation. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malformed POST requests with suspicious Content-Length headers. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls and implementing proper input validation at the application level can help prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management and input validation practices, aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards for secure coding practices. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in legacy web applications and ensure that all systems are running patched and secure versions of software components.