CVE-2007-5067 in HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in iMatix Xitami Web Server 2.5c2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long If-Modified-Since header to (1) xigui32.exe or (2) xitami.exe.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5067 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting the iMatix Xitami Web Server version 2.5c2, specifically targeting the xigui32.exe and xitami.exe executables. This vulnerability resides in the web server's handling of HTTP header parameters, particularly the If-Modified-Since header field that is commonly used for cache validation and conditional requests. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the server's processing logic, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted HTTP requests can overwrite adjacent memory locations in the running processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of buffer overflow conditions in the web server's HTTP request parsing mechanism. When the server receives an HTTP request containing an excessively long If-Modified-Since header value, the application fails to properly validate the length of the input data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. This allows an attacker to overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses, function pointers, and other control data structures that govern program execution flow. The vulnerability affects both the graphical user interface component xigui32.exe and the core web server process xitami.exe, indicating a fundamental flaw in the server's architecture that impacts multiple execution contexts.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to web server security as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication or prior access to the system. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain complete control over the affected web server, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The remote nature of the exploit means that adversaries can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web servers. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and establishment of persistent backdoors through the execution of malicious code.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of unsafe string handling in network applications. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1059 for command and control communication. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that web servers are typically exposed to untrusted networks and handle diverse input from various sources. Organizations running affected versions of Xitami Web Server should implement immediate mitigations including patching to newer versions, implementing network segmentation, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Additionally, input validation measures and application-level firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth layers to protect against this and similar vulnerabilities in legacy web server implementations.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of proper memory management and input validation in server applications, particularly those handling untrusted HTTP input data. Legacy web server software often lacks modern security features and robust input sanitization mechanisms that are standard in contemporary server implementations, making older systems particularly susceptible to such fundamental flaws. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and the risks associated with operating unsupported or outdated web server software in production environments.