J-062: Netscape Enterprise and FastTrack Web Servers Buffer Overflow

PROBLEM:       Internet Security Systems (ISS) X-Force has discovered a 
               vulnerability in the Netscape Enterprise Server and Netscape 
               FastTrack Server.                
PLATFORM:      All platforms using:
               Netscape Enterprise 3.6sp2 
               Netscape FastTrack 3.01
DAMAGE:        An attacker could cause a denial of service, that could result
               in a root compromise.
SOLUTION:      Apply fixes listed below.
VULNERABILITY  Risk is high since an attacker could take over the server 
ASSESSMENT:    as SYSTEM, giving them full control of the machine.


[  Start ISS Advisory  ]

ISS Security Advisory 
August 25, 1999

Buffer Overflow in Netscape Enterprise and FastTrack Web Servers

Synopsis:

Internet Security Systems (ISS) X-Force has discovered a vulnerability in
the Netscape Enterprise Server and Netscape FastTrack Server. Netscape
produces web servers and web browsers for individuals, small workgroups, and
business professionals. An attacker can send the web server an overly long
HTTP GET request, overflowing a buffer in the Netscape httpd service and
overwriting the process's stack. This allows a sophisticated attacker to
force the machine to execute any program code that is sent. The ISS X-Force
has demonstrated that it is possible to use this vulnerability to execute
arbitrary code as SYSTEM on the server, giving an attacker full control of
the machine.

Affected Versions:

This vulnerability was tested on Enterprise 3.6sp2 and FastTrack 3.01.

Fix Information:

Apply the Enterprise 3.6 SP 2 SSL Handshake fix, available 
from Netscape at:
http://www.iplanet.com/downloads/patches/detail_12_86.html.
 
Additional Information:

To download the FlexCheck for this vulnerability for Internet Scanner 6.0,
go to the following URL: 

http://download.iss.net/eval/ISNetscapeGetOverflowFlexCheck.exe

Additional Information:
 
Information in this advisory was obtained by the research of Caleb Sima
<csima@iss.net> of the ISS X-Force. ISS X-Force would like to thank Netscape
Communications Corporation for their response and handling of this
vulnerability.

________

About ISS:

ISS is the pioneer and leading provider of adaptive network security
software delivering enterprise-wide information protection solutions. ISS'
award-winning SAFEsuite family of products enables information risk
management within intranet, extranet and electronic commerce environments.
By combining proactive vulnerability detection with real-time intrusion
detection and response, ISS' adaptive security approach creates a flexible
cycle of continuous security improvement, including security policy
implementation and enforcement. ISS SAFEsuite solutions strengthen the
security of existing systems and have dramatically improved the security
posture for organizations worldwide, making ISS a trusted security advisor
for firms in the Global 2000, 21 of the 25 largest U.S. commercial banks
and over 35 governmental agencies. For more information, call ISS at
678-443-6000 or 800-776-2362 or visit the ISS Web site at www.iss.net.


Copyright (c) 1999 by Internet Security Systems, Inc.

Permission is hereby granted for the redistribution of this Alert
electronically.  It is not to be edited in any way without express consent
of the X-Force.  If you wish to reprint the whole or any part of this
Alert in any other medium excluding electronic medium, please e-mail
xforce@iss.net for permission.

Disclaimer

The information within this paper may change without notice. Use of this
information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There
are NO warranties with regard to this information. In no event shall the
author be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of or in
connection with the use or spread of this information. Any use of this
information is at the user's own risk.

X-Force PGP Key available at: http://xforce.iss.net/sensitive.php3 as 
well as on MIT's PGP key server and PGP.com's key server.

Please send suggestions, updates, and comments to: X-Force xforce@iss.net
of Internet Security Systems, Inc.
 
 

[  End ISS Advisory  ]

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