CVE-2007-0009 in HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the SSLv2 support in Mozilla Network Security Services (NSS) before 3.11.5, as used by Firefox before 1.5.0.10 and 2.x before 2.0.0.2, Thunderbird before 1.5.0.10, SeaMonkey before 1.0.8, and certain Sun Java System server products before 20070611, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via invalid "Client Master Key" length values.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0009 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Network Security Services (NSS) library that affects multiple prominent software applications. This security weakness specifically targets the SSLv2 protocol implementation within NSS versions prior to 3.11.5, creating a significant attack surface for remote code execution. The vulnerability manifests when processing invalid "Client Master Key" length values during SSLv2 handshake operations, allowing malicious actors to manipulate memory layout through carefully crafted input sequences that exceed allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a classic stack buffer overflow mechanism where attacker-controlled data exceeds the predetermined buffer limits allocated for processing SSLv2 Client Master Key parameters. This flaw falls under the CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow category, specifically manifesting as CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the core cryptographic libraries that handle secure communications, making it an ideal target for attackers seeking to compromise secure network connections. When the SSLv2 support processes malformed Client Master Key length values, the insufficient input validation allows for memory overwrite conditions that can be leveraged to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the affected application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across numerous widely-used applications and server products, including Firefox versions prior to 1.5.0.10 and 2.x versions before 2.0.0.2, Thunderbird before 1.5.0.10, SeaMonkey before 1.0.8, and various Sun Java System server products released before 20070611. This broad scope of affected software creates substantial risk for organizations relying on these applications for secure communications, as successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, data theft, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the remote code execution capability allows attackers to establish persistent access and execute malicious commands within compromised systems. The attack vector requires network connectivity and the ability to intercept or manipulate SSLv2 handshake communications, making it particularly concerning for environments where secure communication protocols are essential.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0009 primarily focus on immediate software updates and protocol disablement measures. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected NSS components to version 3.11.5 or later, alongside updating dependent applications including Firefox, Thunderbird, SeaMonkey, and Sun Java System servers to their patched versions. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling SSLv2 protocol support entirely within affected systems, as this protocol version contains numerous known security vulnerabilities beyond this specific buffer overflow. Network security measures such as intrusion detection systems can be configured to monitor for SSLv2 handshake attempts, while application-level security controls should implement strict input validation for cryptographic parameters. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-128 and ISO/IEC 27001 frameworks, emphasizing the importance of timely patch management and protocol security hardening. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous SSL handshake behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual Client Master Key parameter values that could trigger the buffer overflow condition.