CVE-2014-0032 in Subversion
Summary
by MITRE
The get_resource function in repos.c in the mod_dav_svn module in Apache Subversion before 1.7.15 and 1.8.x before 1.8.6, when SVNListParentPath is enabled, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via vectors related to the server root and request methods other than GET, as demonstrated by the "svn ls http://svn.example.com" command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2021
The CVE-2014-0032 vulnerability resides within the mod_dav_svn module of Apache Subversion, specifically in the get_resource function located in repos.c. This flaw manifests when the SVNListParentPath directive is enabled, creating a condition where remote attackers can trigger a denial of service attack leading to server crashes. The vulnerability specifically targets the interaction between server root handling and request methods other than GET, making it particularly dangerous in environments where directory listing capabilities are enabled. The attack vector is demonstrated through commands like "svn ls http://svn.example.com" which can cause the Apache server to terminate unexpectedly.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of resource requests when the SVNListParentPath feature is active. When a client makes a request to a repository path that requires parent directory listing, the get_resource function fails to properly validate or process certain request parameters. This occurs particularly when non-GET methods are used in conjunction with the server root configuration, creating a path traversal scenario that leads to memory corruption and subsequent server crash. The vulnerability represents a classic buffer overflow condition where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious input to overwrite critical memory structures within the Apache server process.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0032 extends beyond simple service disruption as it can be exploited by attackers to systematically crash Apache servers running affected versions of Subversion. This denial of service condition affects organizations that rely on Subversion for version control and repository management, potentially disrupting development workflows and access to critical source code repositories. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Subversion servers may be exposed to untrusted networks, as it requires no authentication to exploit and can be triggered through standard client commands. Organizations with multiple repositories or those using automated build systems that query repository structures may experience cascading failures when this vulnerability is exploited.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0032 primarily involve upgrading to patched versions of Apache Subversion, specifically versions 1.7.15 or 1.8.6 and later. Administrators should also consider disabling the SVNListParentPath directive if directory listing functionality is not strictly required for their deployment. Network-level protections can include implementing firewall rules to restrict access to Subversion endpoints and monitoring for unusual request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a technique commonly categorized under ATT&CK tactic TA0040 (Resource Hijacking) where attackers seek to disrupt legitimate service availability. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of credential stuffing and service enumeration attacks that may be part of broader reconnaissance activities targeting version control systems.