CVE-2012-10058 in R4 Embedded Server
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2025
RabidHamster R4 v1.25 contains a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability due to unsafe use of sprintf() when logging malformed HTTP requests. A remote attacker can exploit this flaw by sending a specially crafted URI, resulting in arbitrary code execution under the context of the web server process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2025
The RabidHamster R4 v1.25 web server software contains a critical stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that stems from improper handling of user input during HTTP request logging operations. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes malformed HTTP requests and utilizes the unsafe sprintf() function without proper bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote code execution. The flaw exists within the logging mechanism where the application fails to validate the length of incoming URI data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer, enabling attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the common pattern of stack-based buffer overflows where the sprintf() function is called without proper size limitations, allowing input data to exceed the allocated buffer space. When a remote attacker crafts a specially formatted URI containing excessive data, the application's logging routine fails to enforce bounds checking, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflow conditions where data written to a stack buffer exceeds its allocated size, potentially overwriting adjacent stack data including return addresses and function pointers. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be executed entirely through HTTP requests, making it a remote code execution vulnerability that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server process, potentially enabling them to access sensitive data, modify web content, or establish persistence within the target environment. Since the exploit operates at the application level and requires no local access, it represents a significant threat to web server security, particularly in environments where the web server runs with elevated privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require specialized tools or extensive knowledge of the underlying system, making it accessible to threat actors of varying skill levels and increasing the potential attack surface for organizations running this specific version of the RabidHamster software.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the RabidHamster R4 v1.25 software to a version that properly implements bounds checking in logging operations. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malformed URI patterns, while also monitoring for unusual HTTP request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing input validation measures that limit the length of URI components and enforce proper bounds checking in all string manipulation operations. The remediation approach should also include regular security assessments of web applications and servers to identify similar vulnerabilities in other software components, particularly those that rely on potentially unsafe string handling functions. Organizations should also consider implementing process isolation and privilege separation techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, ensuring that even if an attacker gains code execution, they cannot escalate privileges or access sensitive system resources beyond the web server's designated scope.