CVE-2011-0334 in GroupWise
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in gwia.exe in GroupWise Internet Agent (GWIA) in Novell GroupWise 8.0 before HP3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP request for a .css file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0334 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the GroupWise Internet Agent component of Novell GroupWise 8.0 before hotpatch 3. This security weakness resides in the gwia.exe executable which serves as the internet agent for GroupWise email services. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing HTTP requests targeting css files, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing environments where GroupWise internet agent functionality is exposed. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the application's handling of HTTP request parameters, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack through carefully crafted malicious requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the classic stack-based buffer overflow pattern where insufficient boundary checks permit an attacker to write data beyond the allocated buffer space. When a remote attacker sends a specially crafted HTTP request containing an excessively long string parameter targeting a css file, the application fails to properly validate the input length before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This overflow condition can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data structures, providing an attacker with the opportunity to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the application level without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the affected GroupWise internet agent service.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0334 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive email data. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the GroupWise internet agent process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions. This creates a significant threat vector for organizations relying on GroupWise email infrastructure, particularly those with exposed internet agent services. The vulnerability affects the core GroupWise messaging infrastructure and can result in data breaches, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network. Organizations using GroupWise 8.0 before HP3 are at risk of unauthorized access to email communications, potentially exposing sensitive business information and personal data stored within the email system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0334 should prioritize immediate application of Novell's official hotpatch or security update addressing this specific vulnerability. System administrators must ensure that all GroupWise internet agent installations are updated to versions containing the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the GWIA service to trusted networks only, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious HTTP requests targeting css files that may attempt to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of GroupWise 8.0 installations that may be vulnerable to this and similar buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability maps to CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system through the compromised GroupWise internet agent service.