CVE-2008-7227 in GeoServer
Summary
by MITRE
PartialBufferOutputStream2 in GeoServer before 1.6.1 and 1.7.0-beta1 attempts to flush buffer contents even when it is handling an "in memory buffer," which prevents the reporting of a service exception, with unknown impact and attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-7227 resides within the GeoServer software ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.6.1 and 1.7.0-beta1. This issue manifests in the PartialBufferOutputStream2 class where the software exhibits flawed buffer management behavior during exception handling scenarios. The technical flaw represents a critical oversight in the software's error reporting mechanisms, as the system attempts to flush buffer contents even when operating with in-memory buffers, thereby compromising the proper propagation of service exceptions.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory management and error handling within server-side applications, creating a scenario where legitimate service exceptions cannot be properly reported to calling applications or users. The impact extends beyond simple error logging failures, as it fundamentally undermines the reliability of the service's exception reporting capabilities. When an exception occurs during processing, the system's attempt to flush in-memory buffers creates a condition where the original exception information becomes obscured or lost entirely, preventing administrators and applications from properly diagnosing and responding to service failures.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are significant for organizations relying on GeoServer for geospatial data services and web mapping applications. System administrators may experience difficulty in troubleshooting service disruptions or identifying the root causes of failures, as exception information becomes unavailable or corrupted during error conditions. This degradation in error reporting capability can lead to extended downtime periods, increased operational overhead, and potential security implications if service failures go unnoticed. The vulnerability affects the software's ability to maintain proper service availability and reliability, particularly in mission-critical geospatial applications where continuous operation is essential.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-704, which addresses improper error handling in software systems. The flaw demonstrates a failure in proper resource management and exception propagation mechanisms that could potentially be exploited by malicious actors to mask other security issues or create denial-of-service conditions. The unknown attack vectors associated with this vulnerability suggest that it may be combinable with other weaknesses to create more sophisticated attack scenarios. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, particularly under the reconnaissance and resource compromise phases where proper error handling and logging are essential for maintaining system integrity and detecting potential malicious activity. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to GeoServer versions 1.6.1 or 1.7.0-beta1, where the buffer management logic has been corrected to properly handle in-memory buffer flush operations during exception handling scenarios, ensuring that service exceptions are properly reported and logged for system monitoring and troubleshooting purposes.