CVE-2005-0753 in CVS
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in CVS before 1.11.20 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0753 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Concurrent Versions System CVS software prior to version 1.11.20. This issue manifests in the handling of malformed input data during network operations, specifically when processing repository information transmitted over the network. The buffer overflow occurs in the server-side processing logic where insufficient bounds checking is performed on incoming data, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with maliciously crafted input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental weakness in memory management practices within the CVS server implementation. When remote clients connect to the CVS server and transmit specially crafted repository commands or file listings, the server fails to properly validate the length of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition enables attackers to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical memory segments. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the network level, allowing remote code execution without requiring authentication or local system access, making it an attractive target for malicious actors seeking to compromise version control systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected CVS server. Once exploited, adversaries can modify or delete version-controlled source code, inject malicious code into repositories, or establish persistent backdoors within the development infrastructure. This poses significant risks to software development workflows, as compromised repositories can serve as attack vectors for broader supply chain compromises. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely heavily on centralized version control systems, particularly those with public or semi-public CVS servers that are accessible over the internet.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under initial access and execution phases. The exploitation typically follows a pattern of sending malformed network requests to the CVS server, which then triggers the buffer overflow during parsing operations. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to CVS version 1.11.20 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and input validation. Additional defensive measures include network segmentation, firewall rules restricting access to CVS servers, and implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and patch management processes for critical infrastructure components.