CVE-2009-0839 in MapServer
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in mapserv.c in mapserv in MapServer 4.x before 4.10.4 and 5.x before 5.2.2, when the server has a map with a long IMAGEPATH or NAME attribute, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted id parameter in a query action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0839 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the MapServer mapping software ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically affects versions 4.x prior to 4.10.4 and 5.x prior to 5.2.2, where the mapserv component fails to properly validate input parameters during query processing. The flaw manifests when the server processes map files containing excessively long IMAGEPATH or NAME attributes, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking in the mapserv.c source file, which handles the processing of query actions. When a maliciously crafted id parameter is submitted through a query action, the system attempts to store this data in a fixed-size stack buffer without sufficient validation of the input length. This allows an attacker to overflow the designated buffer space and potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack variables. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-121, classified as Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when data is written beyond the bounds of a stack-allocated buffer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential remote code execution capabilities on affected systems. An attacker could leverage this flaw to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the MapServer process, which typically runs with web server privileges. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within network environments. The attack vector requires only a remote HTTP request containing the malicious id parameter, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible map servers.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Execution, specifically targeting the use of malicious code execution through buffer overflow mechanisms. Organizations running affected MapServer versions face significant risk, particularly those operating web-based mapping services or GIS applications that expose map server functionality to external users. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in server-side applications, especially those handling user-supplied data. Remediation efforts should prioritize immediate patching to versions 4.10.4 or 5.2.2, respectively, while implementing additional network-level protections such as input filtering, rate limiting, and monitoring for suspicious query patterns to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation attempts.