CVE-2005-1173 in Simple Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in PMSoftware Simple Web Server 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1173 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within PMSoftware Simple Web Server version 1.0 that exposes remote attackers to potential code execution capabilities. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web server's handling of HTTP GET requests, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit memory management weaknesses in the software's architecture.
The technical flaw manifests when the Simple Web Server processes GET requests containing excessively long parameter strings that exceed the allocated buffer size. This buffer overflow condition occurs because the application fails to properly validate the length of incoming request data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. When the buffer limit is exceeded, adjacent memory locations become overwritten, potentially corrupting program execution flow and allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability specifically affects the server's request parsing functionality and demonstrates poor defensive programming practices that violate fundamental security principles.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risk to systems running the affected web server software, as remote attackers can leverage the buffer overflow to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. The impact extends beyond simple data compromise to potentially allow full system control, privilege escalation, and persistent access to networked environments. Organizations utilizing this vulnerable software face exposure to automated exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be triggered through simple web requests without requiring authentication or specialized knowledge of the target system's internal architecture. The remote nature of the attack vector eliminates the need for physical access or local system compromise, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web servers.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate software updates to patched versions of the Simple Web Server or complete replacement with more secure web server implementations. Organizations must implement network-level controls including firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious GET request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Input validation measures should be implemented at the network perimeter to filter out excessively long requests before they reach the vulnerable application. Additionally, security hardening practices such as disabling unnecessary services, implementing proper access controls, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments should be employed to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how inadequate input validation can lead to remote code execution through memory corruption attacks, commonly mapped to attack techniques within the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation domains.