CVE-2009-1177 in MapServer
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in maptemplate.c in mapserv in MapServer 4.x before 4.10.4 and 5.x before 5.2.2 have unknown impact and remote attack vectors.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1177 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in the maptemplate.c component of MapServer software versions 4.x prior to 4.10.4 and 5.x prior to 5.2.2. This issue resides within the mapserv module which serves as the core web mapping server functionality for the MapServer geospatial platform. The buffer overflow occurs during the processing of template files and specifically affects the handling of user-supplied input through map template parameters. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a fundamental memory corruption issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution when exploited by remote attackers. The affected MapServer versions were widely deployed in web mapping applications, geographic information systems, and spatial data infrastructure solutions across various industries including government, utilities, and environmental organizations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of template parameters that are processed by the maptemplate.c module during map rendering operations. When an attacker crafts malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer size in the stack memory, it results in memory corruption that can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. This overflow condition creates opportunities for attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the MapServer process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The remote attack vectors indicate that exploitation can occur through web-based interfaces without requiring local system access, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for publicly accessible mapping services. The attack surface extends to any application or service that utilizes the vulnerable MapServer components for rendering map templates or processing user input through template mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-1177 extends beyond simple system compromise to encompass potential data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive geospatial information. Organizations relying on MapServer for critical infrastructure mapping, emergency response systems, or location-based services face significant risk exposure when running vulnerable versions. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework as part of the T1059.007 technique for command and script injection highlights the potential for attackers to establish persistent access through code execution capabilities. Network administrators and security teams must consider the broader implications for their mapping infrastructure, particularly in environments where MapServer serves as a foundational component for web-based geographic applications. The widespread adoption of MapServer in enterprise and government sectors means that exploitation could affect critical infrastructure systems, potentially leading to loss of sensitive spatial data or complete service outages.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1177 focus primarily on immediate version upgrades to patched MapServer releases, specifically 4.10.4 and 5.2.2 or later versions that contain the necessary code modifications to prevent buffer overflow conditions. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable MapServer instances to untrusted networks. Input validation and sanitization measures should be enhanced at application boundaries to prevent malformed template parameters from reaching the vulnerable code paths. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous template processing patterns and unusual network traffic originating from MapServer services. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their geospatial infrastructure to identify all potentially affected MapServer installations and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability.