CVE-2024-24263 in WebServer
Summary
by MITRE • 02/05/2024
Lotos WebServer v0.1.1 was discovered to contain a Use-After-Free (UAF) vulnerability via the response_append_status_line function at /lotos/src/response.c.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-24263 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within Lotos WebServer version 0.1.1, specifically manifesting in the response_append_status_line function located at /lotos/src/response.c. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-416, which classifies use-after-free conditions as a serious memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The flaw occurs when memory that has been freed is still accessed or referenced by subsequent operations, creating a potential attack surface that malicious actors can exploit to gain unauthorized control over the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability within the web server's response handling mechanism demonstrates a failure in proper memory management during HTTP response construction. When the response_append_status_line function processes incoming requests or generates server responses, it likely allocates memory for status line components and subsequently frees this memory without properly nullifying pointers or ensuring no further references exist. Attackers can manipulate the input data or request patterns to trigger a scenario where freed memory is accessed, potentially allowing them to execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in web server environments where the application handles untrusted input from remote clients.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-24263 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it creates a potential pathway for remote code execution and privilege escalation within the affected system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain full control over the web server instance, potentially leading to data breaches, service denial, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core response handling functionality, meaning that any HTTP request processed by the server could potentially trigger the exploit, making it highly relevant for active web server environments. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the Lotos WebServer software to the latest version that addresses the memory management issue in the response_append_status_line function. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the vulnerable web server to untrusted networks. Additionally, monitoring for unusual HTTP request patterns or memory access anomalies can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The fix should involve proper memory deallocation practices including null pointer assignment after free operations, implementing proper reference counting, or utilizing memory-safe programming techniques. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting this specific use-after-free vulnerability pattern. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of other web server components that might share similar memory management patterns and ensure comprehensive testing of patched versions to prevent regression issues.