CVE-2005-2283 in WebEOC
Summary
by MITRE
WebEOC before 6.0.2 does not properly restrict the size of an uploaded file, which allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (system and database resource consumption) via a large file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2283 affects WebEOC versions prior to 6.0.2, representing a critical security flaw in the file upload handling mechanism of this enterprise operations center software. This issue stems from insufficient validation of file size parameters during the upload process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's resource management capabilities. The vulnerability specifically targets the input validation controls that should enforce limits on file size constraints, allowing attackers to bypass these protective measures and submit arbitrarily large files to the system. This flaw exists within the application's core file handling functionality, where proper bounds checking is absent or inadequately implemented, making it susceptible to abuse by authenticated users who possess valid credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the absence of proper file size validation within the WebEOC upload subsystem. When an authenticated user attempts to upload a file, the system fails to enforce predetermined size limits that would normally prevent excessive resource consumption. This allows an attacker to submit files of considerable size that can overwhelm the system's memory allocation, disk space utilization, and database storage capacity. The lack of input sanitization creates a condition where the application processes these oversized files without adequate resource management, leading to cascading failures in system performance and availability. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through the standard file upload interface, requiring only valid authentication credentials to access the vulnerable functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2283 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass broader system stability and resource exhaustion concerns. When exploited, this vulnerability can cause significant strain on system resources including memory allocation, disk I/O operations, and database connection pools, potentially leading to complete system unavailability for legitimate users. The resource consumption pattern typically results in gradual performance degradation followed by complete system failure, as the application's memory and storage resources become saturated. Database operations may be particularly affected since large file uploads often require substantial database storage and processing power, potentially causing database locks or connection timeouts that further compound the denial of service impact. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-400, which addresses unchecked resource consumption, and represents a classic example of how inadequate input validation can lead to system compromise.
Organizations utilizing WebEOC versions prior to 6.0.2 face significant operational risks from this vulnerability, as it can be exploited by both internal and external authenticated attackers who possess valid user credentials. The exploitation process requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous in environments where privilege escalation or credential compromise is possible. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to the attack technique of resource exhaustion within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically categorized under the system resource exhaustion tactic. The vulnerability can be leveraged to create persistent availability issues that may require system restarts or manual intervention to resolve, significantly impacting business continuity and operational efficiency. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in mission-critical environments where system availability is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2283 should prioritize immediate implementation of file size restrictions and input validation controls within the WebEOC application. The most effective approach involves upgrading to WebEOC version 6.0.2 or later, which includes proper file size validation and resource management controls. Additionally, administrators should implement application-level restrictions that enforce maximum file size limits at the upload interface, combined with database-level constraints that prevent excessive storage allocation. Network-level controls such as rate limiting and connection pooling restrictions can provide additional protection against resource exhaustion attacks. Regular security assessments should include validation of file upload controls to ensure that size limits are properly enforced and that no bypass mechanisms exist. The implementation of logging and monitoring for file upload activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while automated alerts can trigger immediate response protocols when unusual file size patterns are detected. Organizations should also consider implementing separate storage systems for large file uploads to isolate these operations from critical application resources and database operations.