CVE-2006-2114 in Sws Simple Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in SWS web Server 0.1.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long request.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2114 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the SWS web server version 0.1.7, which exposes remote attackers to potential code execution capabilities. This issue arises from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the server's request handling process, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted requests can overwrite adjacent memory regions. The buffer overflow vulnerability specifically manifests when the server processes HTTP requests containing excessively long input data, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to gain unauthorized control over the affected system. This particular vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where the attacker manipulates the request data to overwrite stack memory locations, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the web server process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic stack-based buffer overflow attack vector where the SWS web server fails to properly validate the length of incoming HTTP request data before processing it. When a remote attacker submits a request containing more data than the allocated buffer space, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially overwriting return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow to malicious code injected by the attacker, effectively enabling remote code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the network level, allowing attackers to exploit the flaw without requiring local access to the system, making it a significant concern for web server administrators and security professionals.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-2114 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious software on the compromised server. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web server infrastructure, potentially resulting in data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized access to the underlying network. Organizations running SWS web server version 0.1.7 face significant risk exposure, as this vulnerability can be exploited through standard network traffic without requiring authentication or specialized knowledge of the system. The attack surface is particularly broad since web servers are typically accessible from the internet, making the exploitation of this buffer overflow a straightforward process for determined attackers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2114 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected SWS web server version, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure of vulnerable web servers to untrusted networks, while also deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Input validation mechanisms should be enhanced to reject overly long requests before they can trigger the buffer overflow condition, and application-level firewalls can provide additional protection by filtering malicious requests. Security monitoring should include regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in other server components, with particular attention to the ATT&CK framework's techniques for code injection and privilege escalation. System administrators should also consider implementing network-based security controls such as rate limiting and connection tracking to prevent exploitation attempts and reduce the effectiveness of automated attack tools targeting this specific vulnerability.