CVE-2014-2206 in GetGo Download Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in GetGo Download Manager 4.9.0.1982, 4.8.2.1346, 4.4.5.502, and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP Response Header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2206 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in GetGo Download Manager software versions 4.9.0.1982, 4.8.2.1346, 4.4.5.502, and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of HTTP response headers, specifically when processing malformed or excessively long header data. The flaw manifests as a classic buffer overflow condition where the software fails to properly validate the length of incoming HTTP headers before copying them into fixed-size stack buffers. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in software security that occurs when data is written beyond the bounds of a fixed-length buffer allocated on the stack. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can lead to arbitrary code execution or system crashes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass full system compromise potential. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially malformed HTTP response headers that exceed the allocated buffer space, causing the application to crash or potentially allowing execution of malicious code within the context of the running process. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no local privileges or user interaction beyond accessing a malicious website or downloading content from an attacker-controlled server. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access and execute arbitrary code. The flaw is especially dangerous in environments where users frequently download content from untrusted sources or where the application runs with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of GetGo Download Manager that properly validates HTTP response header lengths before processing them. Organizations should implement network-level controls such as web application firewalls and HTTP header filtering to detect and block malicious requests before they reach vulnerable systems. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized binaries and monitor for unusual process behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in network applications, which should be reinforced through secure coding practices and regular security testing. System administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify patterns consistent with buffer overflow exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures for rapid remediation when such vulnerabilities are discovered in deployed systems.