CVE-2005-4503 in httprint
Summary
by MITRE
httprint v202, and possibly other versions before v301, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a long Server field in an HTTP response.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4503 affects httprint version 202 and potentially earlier versions before 301, representing a classic buffer overflow condition that can be exploited to trigger a denial of service scenario. This flaw specifically targets the handling of HTTP response data, particularly the Server field which is commonly used by web servers to identify their software version and build information. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the httprint utility's parsing mechanism, which fails to properly handle excessively long Server header values that exceed the allocated buffer space.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the httprint tool's inability to safely process HTTP responses containing Server fields that exceed predetermined memory boundaries. When a maliciously crafted HTTP response is received, the tool attempts to store the Server header value in a fixed-size buffer without proper length validation. This results in buffer overflow conditions that can corrupt adjacent memory locations and ultimately cause the application to crash or terminate unexpectedly. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through network-based attacks without requiring local system access or authentication.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems that rely on httprint for web server identification and fingerprinting activities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to disrupt legitimate network monitoring and security auditing processes by causing the httprint utility to crash, thereby preventing accurate server identification and potentially masking other security issues. The denial of service condition affects availability and can be particularly problematic in environments where continuous monitoring is required for security operations. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely, making it attractive to threat actors seeking to disrupt network operations or create cover for more sophisticated attacks. This weakness can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which involves network disruption through denial of service attacks, and represents a form of application-level attack that can bypass traditional network security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4503 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 301 or later, where the buffer handling mechanisms have been properly implemented to prevent overflow conditions. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running httprint to untrusted networks, while also deploying intrusion detection systems that can monitor for anomalous HTTP response patterns. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated versions of httprint and similar network reconnaissance tools. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and bounds checking in custom applications that process HTTP headers can prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in proprietary software. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper memory management and input validation in network applications, particularly those involved in security monitoring and reconnaissance activities.