CVE-2008-4541 in Java System Web Proxy Server
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the FTP subsystem in Sun Java System Web Proxy Server 4.0 through 4.0.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted HTTP GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4541 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the FTP subsystem of Sun Java System Web Proxy Server versions 4.0 through 4.0.7. This flaw exists in the handling of HTTP GET requests and provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the proxy server's FTP processing components, creating a pathway for malicious actors to overwrite adjacent memory locations in the heap allocation space. Such buffer overflow conditions typically occur when the application writes more data to a buffer than it can accommodate, leading to memory corruption that adversaries can exploit to gain control over the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a remote attacker to craft a specially malformed HTTP GET request that triggers the vulnerable FTP subsystem processing logic. When the proxy server receives such a request, the malformed data causes the application to write beyond the allocated buffer boundaries in the heap memory region, potentially overwriting critical program execution data such as return addresses, function pointers, or other control structures. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow to malicious code injected by the attacker, thereby achieving arbitrary code execution privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability's classification as heap-based indicates that the overflow occurs in dynamically allocated memory areas rather than stack-based buffers, making the exploitation more complex but potentially more reliable in modern memory protection environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4541 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Organizations relying on affected proxy server versions face significant risks including data breaches, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects systems where the proxy server acts as an intermediary for HTTP traffic, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such servers commonly process high volumes of web requests from multiple sources. The attack vector's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from any location on the internet without requiring physical access or local network presence, significantly expanding the potential threat surface.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques such as T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1071 for application layer protocol. The affected Sun Java System Web Proxy Server versions represent a specific target for exploitation campaigns, and organizations should implement immediate mitigation measures including patch deployment, network segmentation, and monitoring for suspicious HTTP GET request patterns. Additionally, the vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in web proxy server implementations, as well as the need for regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors.