CVE-2012-0273 in MinaliC
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in MinaliC 2.0.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a (1) session_id cookie in a request to the get_cookie_value function in response.c, (2) directory name in a request to the add_default_file function in response.c, or (3) file name in a request to the retrieve_physical_file_name_or_brows function in response.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0273 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow issue affecting MinaliC version 2.0.0, a web server application that processes HTTP requests and manages file operations. This flaw stems from inadequate input validation within three distinct functions of the response.c module, creating multiple attack vectors that can be exploited by remote adversaries to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its remote exploitability, meaning attackers can leverage these flaws without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where such servers are commonly deployed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through three primary attack vectors that all share a common weakness in input handling and memory management. The first vector involves manipulation of the session_id cookie parameter within HTTP requests directed at the get_cookie_value function in response.c, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overflow the stack buffer allocated for session identifier storage. The second vector targets the directory name parameter in requests processed by the add_default_file function, while the third vector exploits the file name parameter within the retrieve_physical_file_name_or_brows function. All three functions fail to properly validate input lengths against allocated buffer sizes, creating predictable stack corruption scenarios that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0273 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers can potentially execute malicious payloads that establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or perform data exfiltration from affected systems. The vulnerability's presence in core file handling functions means that exploitation could lead to unauthorized file access, modification, or deletion, potentially compromising the integrity of the entire web server environment. Network administrators face significant risk as these flaws can be exploited by automated scanning tools, making vulnerable systems easy targets for widespread compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that web servers are typically exposed to untrusted network traffic, and the lack of input validation in these functions creates a direct pathway for remote code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0273 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected MinaliC 2.0.0 software version, as this represents the most effective solution to address the underlying buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement input validation measures that enforce strict bounds checking on all user-supplied data, particularly cookie values, directory names, and file names processed by the vulnerable functions. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit exposure by restricting access to affected web server endpoints, while intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious patterns associated with these specific attack vectors. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification and represents a significant concern from an ATT&CK framework perspective, specifically relating to techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation. Regular security assessments and code reviews should focus on identifying similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in other applications, as the underlying architectural flaw demonstrates a pattern that commonly occurs in web server implementations lacking robust input sanitization mechanisms.