CVE-2018-10945 in Mongoose
Summary
by MITRE
The mg_handle_cgi function in mongoose.c in Mongoose 6.11 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read and application crash, or NULL pointer dereference) via an HTTP request, related to the mbuf_insert function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10945 resides within the Mongoose web server version 6.11, specifically in the mg_handle_cgi function located in the mongoose.c source file. This critical flaw manifests as a heap-based buffer over-read condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to trigger application crashes or more severe null pointer dereference scenarios. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the HTTP request processing pipeline, where the mbuf_insert function fails to adequately sanitize or bounds-check data before insertion into memory buffers. The flaw represents a classic buffer overflow vulnerability that operates at the heap memory level, making it particularly dangerous as it can lead to arbitrary code execution or complete service disruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the mg_handle_cgi function processes HTTP requests containing malformed or specially crafted data that triggers the mbuf_insert function. This function is responsible for managing memory buffers used to store and manipulate HTTP request data, but fails to validate the size or content of incoming data before attempting insertion operations. When an attacker sends a malicious HTTP request, the mbuf_insert function attempts to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in memory corruption that manifests as either a heap-based buffer over-read or null pointer dereference. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote code execution without authentication requirements, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools. This flaw aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and CWE-476, null pointer dereference, both of which are categorized under the broader weakness class of buffer overflow vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-10945 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable full system compromise when exploited in conjunction with other attack vectors. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to cause repeated application crashes, leading to persistent denial of service conditions that can severely impact web applications relying on Mongoose for HTTP handling. The vulnerability affects any system running Mongoose 6.11 web server software and can be exploited through standard HTTP protocols without requiring special privileges or authentication. Attackers can craft HTTP requests that specifically trigger the buffer over-read condition, causing the application to crash or behave unpredictably. The null pointer dereference component adds additional risk as it can lead to more severe system instability and potentially provide attackers with information disclosure opportunities that may aid in further exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-10945 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by the Mongoose vendor, as version 6.11 contains known vulnerabilities that have been addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to patched versions of Mongoose software, which typically include enhanced input validation and proper bounds checking in the mbuf_insert function. Network-level defenses such as intrusion detection systems can be configured to monitor for suspicious HTTP request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, though these measures provide only partial protection. Implementing proper input validation at the application level and using memory-safe programming practices can help reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities. Security teams should also consider deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malformed HTTP requests targeting known vulnerable functions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, and T1499, Endpoint Termination, as it enables both service disruption and potential system compromise through remote exploitation. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected Mongoose versions and implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure complete remediation across their infrastructure.