CVE-2012-0271 in GroupWise
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the WebConsole component in gwia.exe in GroupWise Internet Agent (GWIA) in Novell GroupWise 8.0 before 8.0.3 HP1 and 2012 before SP1 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted request that triggers a heap-based buffer overflow, as demonstrated by a request with -1 in the Content-Length HTTP header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2012-0271 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the WebConsole component of Novell GroupWise Internet Agent version 8.0 prior to 8.0.3 HP1 and 2012 prior to SP1. This security weakness resides in the gwia.exe executable and specifically affects the handling of HTTP requests through the Content-Length header parameter. The flaw manifests when a malicious actor submits a crafted HTTP request containing a value of -1 in the Content-Length header field, which triggers improper integer arithmetic handling within the application's memory management subsystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and integer overflow protection mechanisms within the GroupWise Internet Agent's web console processing logic. When the application processes the malformed Content-Length header value of -1, the integer overflow condition causes the application to miscalculate memory allocation requirements for buffer operations. This miscalculation results in a heap-based buffer overflow scenario where the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, creating exploitable conditions for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation of software vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities as it provides attackers with potential full system compromise access. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with the privileges of the GroupWise Internet Agent service account, which typically runs with elevated system permissions. The exploitation process involves crafting a specific HTTP request that triggers the integer overflow condition, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for privilege escalation or complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects organizations using GroupWise email solutions and represents a significant risk to enterprise email infrastructure security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0271 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and network-level defenses. Organizations should prioritize installing the official security patches released by Novell for GroupWise 8.0.3 HP1 and 2012 SP1 versions, which address the integer overflow handling in the WebConsole component. Network administrators should implement HTTP request filtering rules to block requests containing negative Content-Length values or implement web application firewalls that can detect and prevent such malformed requests. Additionally, system hardening measures including disabling unnecessary web console features, restricting remote access to the GroupWise Internet Agent, and implementing proper input validation controls can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous HTTP header patterns and unusual memory allocation behaviors within the GroupWise service processes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper integer handling and input validation in preventing heap-based buffer overflow exploits, making it a prime example of why defensive programming practices and regular security patch management remain essential components of enterprise cybersecurity posture.