CVE-2008-0337 in MiniWeb HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the _mwProcessReadSocket function in http.c in MiniWeb HTTP Server 0.8.19 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long URI.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0337 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the MiniWeb HTTP Server version 0.8.19, specifically within the _mwProcessReadSocket function located in the http.c source file. This flaw arises from inadequate input validation when processing Uniform Resource Identifiers, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the server through malformed URI requests. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which encompasses heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it enables remote code execution without requiring any authentication or privileged access, making it a significant threat to web server security. The buffer overflow occurs when the server attempts to process a URI that exceeds the allocated heap memory buffer size, leading to potential memory corruption that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic heap overflow scenario where the _mwProcessReadSocket function fails to properly validate the length of incoming URI data before copying it into a fixed-size heap buffer. When a remote attacker sends a specially crafted HTTP request containing an excessively long URI, the server's memory management routines overflow the allocated buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent heap memory structures including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data. This memory corruption can be systematically exploited to redirect program execution flow, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the MiniWeb server process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the HTTP protocol level, meaning that exploitation can occur through standard web browser requests or automated scanning tools without requiring specialized attack infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0337 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential denial of service conditions. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to the server's file system, enabling attackers to read sensitive data, modify web content, or establish persistent backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability affects all systems running MiniWeb HTTP Server 0.8.19 and potentially other versions that share the same flawed implementation. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage the remote code execution capability to deploy additional malicious payloads. The attack surface is broad since any HTTP request containing a long URI can potentially trigger the vulnerability, making it difficult to defend against through simple network filtering or access control measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0337 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of MiniWeb HTTP Server that properly validates URI lengths and implements robust buffer management techniques to prevent heap overflows. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block unusually long URI patterns, though these measures are not foolproof against determined attackers. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including application-level bounds checking, proper memory allocation practices, and implementation of stack canaries or other memory protection mechanisms. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous URI lengths in web server logs, as this behavior often precedes exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar issues in legacy software systems that may not receive ongoing security updates. System administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable servers, while also establishing incident response procedures specifically designed to handle remote code execution vulnerabilities.