CVE-2008-0406 in HTTP File Server
Summary
by MITRE
HTTP File Server (HFS) before 2.2c, when account names are used as log filenames, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) via a long account name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2017
HTTP File Server version 2.2c and earlier contains a vulnerability that manifests as a denial of service condition when account names are utilized as log filenames. This flaw stems from insufficient input validation and buffer handling mechanisms within the logging subsystem. The vulnerability specifically occurs when the server processes account names that exceed predetermined length limits, causing the daemon to crash and terminate its operations. The issue is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow condition, where the server fails to properly validate the length of account names before incorporating them into log file naming operations. When remote attackers submit account names exceeding the system's buffer capacity, the application encounters a memory corruption scenario that leads to an abrupt termination of the service. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability aspect of the system by preventing legitimate users from accessing the file sharing services. The attack vector requires remote access and does not necessitate authentication, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible environments. The operational impact extends beyond simple service disruption as the daemon crash may result in loss of ongoing connections and potential data integrity issues during the restart process. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks, where the adversary seeks to disrupt services by causing system instability. The vulnerability also relates to T1566.001 for initial access through exploitation of unpatched software components. The root cause lies in the improper implementation of string handling functions within the logging module, where account names are directly concatenated into filename strings without adequate length checks or sanitization. The buffer overflow occurs during the log file creation process when the system attempts to store account names exceeding the allocated memory space for filename construction. This weakness represents a classic example of unsafe string manipulation practices that have been documented in numerous security advisories over the years. Organizations using HTTP File Server versions prior to 2.2c should immediately implement patch management procedures to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to version 2.2c or later, which includes proper input validation and buffer size limitations. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable systems. Monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual patterns in account name submissions that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and buffer management in server-side applications, particularly those handling user-provided data for system operations. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in legacy software components and ensure that all systems maintain current security patches. This case highlights the necessity of adhering to secure coding practices and following established security frameworks that emphasize defensive programming techniques. The impact of such vulnerabilities extends beyond immediate service disruption to encompass potential business continuity risks and regulatory compliance issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive security awareness programs to educate developers about common coding pitfalls that lead to exploitable conditions in network services.