CVE-2019-1010218 in Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cherokee Webserver Latest Cherokee Web server Upto Version 1.2.103 (Current stable) is affected by: Buffer Overflow - CWE-120. The impact is: Crash. The component is: Main cherokee command. The attack vector is: Overwrite argv[0] to an insane length with execl. The fixed version is: There's no fix yet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2023
The Cherokee Webserver version 1.2.103 contains a critical buffer overflow vulnerability classified as CWE-120, which represents a fundamental weakness in input validation and memory management practices. This vulnerability exists within the main cherokee command execution mechanism and demonstrates a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario that can be exploited through manipulation of command line arguments. The flaw specifically manifests when the argv[0] parameter is overwritten with an excessively long string, allowing an attacker to manipulate the program's execution flow through the execl system call function. The vulnerability affects the core command processing functionality of the web server, making it particularly dangerous as it targets the fundamental execution mechanism rather than a specific module or service.
The operational impact of this buffer overflow vulnerability is severe and directly results in system crashes, effectively rendering the web server unavailable to legitimate users. This crash condition represents a denial of service scenario that can be easily exploited by remote attackers without requiring authentication or specialized privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation vector is particularly concerning as it leverages the standard execl function call, which is commonly used for process execution in Unix-like systems. When an attacker successfully overflows the buffer and manipulates argv[0] to an insane length, the program's memory layout becomes corrupted, leading to immediate termination of the cherokee process and complete service disruption.
The absence of a fixed version for this vulnerability creates a significant risk for organizations currently running Cherokee Webserver version 1.2.103, as no official patch exists to remediate the issue. This lack of remediation places affected systems in a state of heightened exposure, particularly in environments where the web server handles sensitive data or critical applications. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for Network Denial of Service and demonstrates how buffer overflow flaws can be leveraged to create system instability. Organizations must implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation, input validation controls, and monitoring for suspicious command line arguments, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web-based input manipulation or direct system access.
From a security architecture perspective, this vulnerability highlights the importance of proper bounds checking and input sanitization in system-level command execution functions. The flaw represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and demonstrates how improper memory management can lead to complete system compromise. The CWE-120 classification indicates that this vulnerability falls within the category of buffer overflow conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system crashes, making it a critical concern for security practitioners. Organizations should consider immediate migration to supported web server alternatives or implementation of network-level controls to prevent exploitation attempts while awaiting potential vendor patches or third-party mitigations that may address this specific buffer overflow condition.