CVE-2017-5522 in MapServer
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in MapServer before 6.0.6, 6.2.x before 6.2.4, 6.4.x before 6.4.5, and 7.0.x before 7.0.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) or execute arbitrary code via vectors involving WFS get feature requests.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5522 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within MapServer software versions prior to specific patches. This flaw exists in multiple release branches including versions before 6.0.6, 6.2.4, 6.4.5, and 7.0.4, indicating a widespread issue affecting the software's core functionality. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing WFS (Web Feature Service) GetFeature requests, which are standard operations used to retrieve geographic data from mapping servers. This exposure creates a significant attack surface as WFS services are commonly deployed in web mapping applications and geographic information systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through malformed WFS GetFeature requests that trigger a buffer overflow condition in the stack memory management of MapServer. When the application processes these crafted requests, it fails to properly validate input lengths before copying data into fixed-size stack buffers, leading to memory corruption. This memory corruption can result in two primary attack vectors: denial of service through application crashes or more severe arbitrary code execution capabilities. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that attackers can overwrite return addresses and execution pointers, potentially allowing them to redirect program flow and execute malicious code with the privileges of the MapServer process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable full system compromise. Organizations relying on MapServer for web mapping services face significant risk as attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely without authentication requirements. The vulnerability affects systems that expose WFS endpoints, which are common in GIS applications, online mapping services, and location-based web applications. Given the widespread adoption of MapServer in government, enterprise, and public sector mapping solutions, the potential for widespread impact is considerable. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to memory corruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5522 require immediate patching of affected MapServer installations to versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of WFS endpoints to trusted networks only. Input validation measures should be strengthened at the application level, including implementing proper bounds checking and length validation for all WFS request parameters. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers legitimate credentials and privilege escalation through software exploitation. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous WFS request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the GIS infrastructure stack.