Apache allows arbitrary code execution via crafted POST request containing MS-DOS device name

Overview

Due to a flaw in the Apache web server’s handling of MS-DOS device names, an attacker may be able to remotely execute code on systems running the Apache web server under some versions of Microsoft Windows.

Description

The Apache HTTP server fails to filter POST requests for MS-DOS style device names. As a result, an attacker may be able to execute arbitrary script commands on systems running Apache under versions of Windows that use these device names (i.e., Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Millenium Edition).

An attacker issuing a carefully crafted POST may be able to execute a filtered type as a CGI, thereby allowing them to execute abitrary script commands.

---

Impact

Intruders may be able to remotely execute code on the vulnerable system. Since Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows Millenium Edition do not provide any separation of user privileges, exploitation of this vulnerability results in a root compromise of the affected system.

---

Solution

Apply a patch from the vendor

The Apache Software Foundation has released version 2.0.44 of the Apache HTTP server to address this vulnerability. Users are encouraged to upgrade to this version of the software.

Furthermore, users of the Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows 98 Second Edition operating systems are encouraged to apply the patches referenced in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS00-017 in order to prevent other applications from exploiting this vulnerability.

---

Vendor Information

825177

Filter by status: All Affected Not Affected Unknown

Filter by content: __ Additional information available

__ Sort by: Status Alphabetical

Expand all

Javascript is disabled. Click here to view vendors.

Apache Software Foundation Affected

Notified: December 10, 2002 Updated: January 29, 2003

Status

Affected

Vendor Statement

We have not received a statement from the vendor.

Vendor Information

The vendor has not provided us with any further information regarding this vulnerability.

Addendum

The CERT/CC has no additional comments at this time.

If you have feedback, comments, or additional information about this vulnerability, please send us [email](<mailto:[email protected]?Subject=VU%23825177 Feedback>).

CVSS Metrics

Group	Score	Vector
Base
Temporal
Environmental

References

<http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS00-017.asp&gt;

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Matthew Murphy for reporting this vulnerability.

This document was written by Chad R Dougherty.

Other Information

CVE IDs:	CVE-2003-0016
Severity Metric:	0.59 Date Public: