CVE-2008-0311 in CaliberRM
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the PGMWebHandler::parse_request function in the StarTeam Multicast Service component (STMulticastService) 6.4 in Borland CaliberRM 2006 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a large HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0311 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the StarTeam Multicast Service component of Borland CaliberRM 2006 version 6.4. This security weakness resides in the PGMWebHandler::parse_request function which processes incoming HTTP requests without adequate bounds checking mechanisms. The flaw specifically manifests when the service receives malformed HTTP requests containing excessive data payloads that exceed the allocated stack buffer space, creating conditions ripe for arbitrary code execution by remote attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the multicast service's web handler module. When the PGMWebHandler::parse_request function processes HTTP requests, it fails to enforce strict limits on request size parameters, allowing attackers to craft specially crafted requests containing oversized data segments. The stack buffer overflow occurs because the function uses unsafe string handling operations that do not validate the length of incoming data against predetermined buffer boundaries. This classic buffer overflow vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise potential within the affected environment. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to inject malicious code into the target system, potentially gaining full administrative control over the StarTeam Multicast Service and subsequently the entire application server. The attack vector requires only network connectivity to the affected service port, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet without requiring local system access or authentication credentials. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 category for execution through command and script interpreters, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised system.
Organizations utilizing Borland CaliberRM 2006 with the affected STMulticastService component face significant risk exposure due to this vulnerability. The service typically operates on standard multicast communication ports, making it accessible to external threat actors who can scan for and exploit this flaw without specialized access. Security assessments should prioritize identification of all instances running the vulnerable service, particularly those exposed to untrusted networks or internet-facing environments. The vulnerability represents a critical security gap that could enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive configuration data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks against internal network resources. Immediate remediation efforts should focus on applying vendor patches, implementing network segmentation to restrict access to the multicast service, or disabling the service entirely if it is not essential for business operations. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous HTTP request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts targeting this specific buffer overflow condition.