CVE-2014-5289 in Senkas Kolibri
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Senkas Kolibri 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long URI in a POST request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5289 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Senkas Kolibri 2.0 web application framework that exposes systems to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of Uniform Resource Identifiers within POST request methods, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the software through crafted HTTP requests. The buffer overflow occurs when the application fails to properly validate or limit the length of URI data submitted in POST requests, allowing attackers to exceed the allocated memory buffer and overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows data to be written beyond the bounds of allocated memory buffers. The flaw manifests in the web server's request processing pipeline where URI parameters are parsed and stored without adequate length validation, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers. Attackers can craft malicious POST requests containing excessively long URIs that trigger the buffer overflow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the affected system. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1203, which encompasses exploitation of software vulnerabilities for remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects systems running Senkas Kolibri 2.0 versions that have not been patched, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where such frameworks may be widely deployed. Organizations utilizing this framework face significant risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5289 should prioritize immediate patch application from the vendor, as the vulnerability has been addressed through software updates that implement proper input validation and buffer management. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious POST request patterns and anomalous URI lengths. Implementing web application firewalls with custom rules to detect and block overly long URI parameters can serve as temporary protective measures while patches are deployed. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions of Senkas Kolibri and ensure proper input sanitization practices are implemented across all web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management and input validation in preventing remote code execution attacks that can compromise entire network infrastructures.