CVE-2019-17601 in MiniShare
Summary
by MITRE
In MiniShare 1.4.1, there is a stack-based buffer overflow via an HTTP CONNECT request, which allows an attacker to achieve arbitrary code execution, a similar issue to CVE-2018-19862 and CVE-2018-19861. NOTE: this product is discontinued.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-17601 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within MiniShare version 1.4.1, a discontinued web server implementation that was commonly used for file sharing and media streaming services. This vulnerability specifically manifests through malformed HTTP CONNECT requests, which are typically used in proxy server communications to establish tunneling connections. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the application's handling of these specific HTTP method requests, creating a exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows for complete system compromise without requiring authentication, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when MiniShare processes an HTTP CONNECT request that contains an oversized or malformed host header parameter. The application fails to properly validate the length of incoming data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer, enabling an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a fundamental flaw in memory management. The vulnerability's exploitation mechanism aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically through the use of command injection via network protocols. The stack overflow creates a predictable memory corruption pattern that can be reliably exploited to redirect program execution flow, typically through return-oriented programming or direct code injection techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of systems running affected versions of MiniShare. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware payloads within the network environment. The vulnerability's similarity to CVE-2018-19862 and CVE-2018-19861 indicates a pattern of insecure coding practices within the MiniShare application, suggesting that other components may also be vulnerable to similar attacks. Organizations that have not migrated away from this discontinued software may find their networks exposed to these attacks, particularly in environments where legacy systems are still operational. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or network proximity to compromise affected systems, making it a significant risk for organizations with exposed web servers or network services.
Given that MiniShare is a discontinued product, the primary mitigation strategy involves immediate removal of the software from all systems and network infrastructure. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all instances of the software and ensure complete removal from networked environments. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate systems that may still be running the software, and firewalls should be configured to block access to the affected services. Security teams should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, including unusual HTTP CONNECT requests or attempts to establish unauthorized tunneling connections. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying intrusion detection systems with signatures specifically designed to detect exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. The discontinuation of the product means that no official security patches or updates are available, making complete removal the only viable long-term solution. System administrators should also review and update their incident response procedures to account for potential compromise scenarios involving legacy software, ensuring that any detection of this vulnerability triggers immediate containment and remediation protocols.