Apache HTTP Server 1.3.x/2.0.x mod_ssl ssl_util_uuencode_binary stack-based overflow

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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7.0$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in Apache HTTP Server 1.3.x/2.0.x. This affects the function ssl_util_uuencode_binary of the component mod_ssl. This manipulation causes stack-based overflow. This vulnerability appears as CVE-2004-0488. The attack may be initiated remotely. There is no available exploit. It is advisable to upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Apache HTTP Server 1.3.x/2.0.x (Web Server). It has been declared as critical. Affected by this vulnerability is the function ssl_util_uuencode_binary of the component mod_ssl. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a stack-based overflow vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-121. A stack-based buffer overflow condition is a condition where the buffer being overwritten is allocated on the stack (i.e., is a local variable or, rarely, a parameter to a function). As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

Stack-based buffer overflow in the ssl_util_uuencode_binary function in ssl_util.c for Apache mod_ssl, when mod_ssl is configured to trust the issuing CA, may allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a client certificate with a long subject DN.

The weakness was presented 05/17/2004 by Georgi Guninski (Website). The advisory is shared at lists.netsys.com. This vulnerability is known as CVE-2004-0488 since 05/24/2004. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploitation doesn't need any form of authentication. Technical details are known, but no exploit is available.

We expect the 0-day to have been worth approximately $25k-$100k. The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 14516 (GLSA-200406-05 : Apache: Buffer overflow in mod_ssl), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment. It is assigned to the family Gentoo Local Security Checks and running in the context l. The commercial vulnerability scanner Qualys is able to test this issue with plugin 86814 (Apache 2.0 HTTP Server mod_ssl Stack Buffer Overflow Vulnerability).

Upgrading eliminates this vulnerability. Applying a patch is able to eliminate this problem. The bugfix is ready for download at modssl.org. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version. A possible mitigation has been published 3 months after the disclosure of the vulnerability.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at X-Force (16214), Tenable (14516), SecurityFocus (BID 10355†), OSVDB (6472†) and Secunia (SA11534†). Additional details are provided at marc.theaimsgroup.com. See VDB-826 for similar entry. Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

Productinfo

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Support

  • end of life (old version)

Website

CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 7.3
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 7.0

VulDB Base Score: 7.3
VulDB Temp Score: 7.0
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VectorComplexityAuthenticationConfidentialityIntegrityAvailability
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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

NVD Base Score: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Stack-based overflow
CWE: CWE-121 / CWE-119
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes

Availability: 🔍
Status: Not defined

EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍

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Nessus ID: 14516
Nessus Name: GLSA-200406-05 : Apache: Buffer overflow in mod_ssl
Nessus File: 🔍
Nessus Risk: 🔍
Nessus Family: 🔍
Nessus Context: 🔍
Nessus Port: 🔍

OpenVAS ID: 53703
OpenVAS Name: Debian Security Advisory DSA 532-1 (libapache-mod-ssl)
OpenVAS File: 🔍
OpenVAS Family: 🔍

Qualys ID: 🔍
Qualys Name: 🔍

ATK: 238

Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

Reaction Time: 🔍
0-Day Time: 🔍
Exposure Time: 🔍

Patch: modssl.org

Timelineinfo

05/17/2004 🔍
05/17/2004 +0 days 🔍
05/24/2004 +7 days 🔍
05/28/2004 +4 days 🔍
06/01/2004 +3 days 🔍
07/07/2004 +36 days 🔍
07/27/2004 +20 days 🔍
08/30/2004 +34 days 🔍
07/12/2025 +7621 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: apache.org

Advisory: lists.netsys.com
Researcher: Georgi Guninski
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2004-0488 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2004-0488
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-673

OVAL: 🔍

X-Force: 16214 - Apache mod_ssl ssl_util_uuencode_binary buffer overflow, Medium Risk
SecurityFocus: 10355 - Apache 'mod_ssl' 'ssl_util_uuencode_binary()' Stack Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
Secunia: 11534 - Apache mod_ssl "ssl_util_uuencode_binary()" Buffer Overflow Vulnerability, Moderately Critical
OSVDB: 6472 - Apache HTTP Server mod_ssl ssl_util_uuencode_binary Remote Overflow
Vulnerability Center: 4397

Misc.: 🔍
See also: 🔍

Entryinfo

Created: 06/01/2004 12:14
Updated: 07/12/2025 20:25
Changes: 06/01/2004 12:14 (91), 04/16/2019 15:10 (2), 03/09/2021 14:28 (2), 07/02/2024 00:33 (16), 07/12/2025 20:25 (4)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216:C80:103

Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

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