CVE-1999-1281

Source: cve@mitre.org

MEDIUM
5.0
Published: December 26, 1998 at 05:00 AM
Modified: April 3, 2025 at 01:03 AM

Vulnerability Description

Development version of Breeze Network Server allows remote attackers to cause the system to reboot by accessing the configbreeze CGI program.

CVSS Metrics

Base Score
5.0
Severity
MEDIUM
Vector String
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:N/I:N/A:P

Weaknesses (CWE)

NVD-CWE-Other
Source: nvd@nist.gov

AI Security Analysis

01 // Technical Summary

Breeze Network Server is vulnerable to a remote denial-of-service (DoS) attack. By simply accessing the configbreeze CGI program, attackers can trigger a system reboot, leading to service disruption and potential data loss. This vulnerability poses a significant risk to systems running the affected server software.

02 // Vulnerability Mechanism

Step 1: Access the CGI Program: The attacker sends an HTTP request to the vulnerable server, specifically targeting the configbreeze CGI program (e.g., http://<target>/configbreeze).

Step 2: Trigger the Reboot: The request, regardless of its content (as the CVE suggests), causes the server to reboot. The exact mechanism triggering the reboot is unknown, but it's likely due to a flaw in how the CGI program processes the request or interacts with the underlying system.

Step 3: Denial of Service: The server reboots, resulting in a temporary or prolonged denial of service, depending on the server's configuration and recovery mechanisms.

03 // Deep Technical Analysis

The vulnerability lies within the configbreeze CGI program of the Breeze Network Server. The exact root cause is not explicitly stated in the CVE description, but the outcome is a system reboot. This suggests a potential flaw in how the CGI program handles input or processes requests, possibly related to improper error handling, resource exhaustion, or a logic error that leads to an unhandled exception or system call that triggers the reboot. The vulnerability likely exploits a flaw in the configuration management or server initialization routines accessed through the CGI interface. The lack of input validation or insufficient resource management could also be contributing factors.

04 // Exploitation Status

Due to the age and lack of specific details in the CVE, the exploit status is likely **Discovery Only**. However, the simplicity of the attack (accessing a CGI program) suggests that a functional exploit could be easily crafted or may already exist, even if not widely publicized. The lack of a specific payload makes it difficult to determine if it is **Actively Exploited**.

05 // Threat Intelligence

Given the age of the vulnerability, it's unlikely to be directly linked to modern APT groups. However, older vulnerabilities are sometimes incorporated into automated attack tools. This vulnerability is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog.

06 // Detection & Hunting

  • Monitor web server access logs for requests to the configbreeze CGI program. Specifically, look for unusual or repeated access attempts.

  • Analyze system logs (e.g., syslog, event logs) for unexpected reboots or system crashes.

  • Implement intrusion detection systems (IDS) with rules that trigger on access to the configbreeze CGI program.

  • Monitor network traffic for HTTP requests targeting the vulnerable CGI program.

07 // Remediation & Hardening

  • Immediately disable or remove the configbreeze CGI program if it's not essential for the server's functionality.

  • Update to a patched version of Breeze Network Server. However, given the age of the vulnerability, patches may not be available. Consider migrating to a more secure and supported server software.

  • Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests, including those targeting the configbreeze CGI program.

  • Restrict access to the web server's administration interface and CGI programs using access control lists (ACLs) or other security mechanisms.

  • Regularly audit the server's configuration and security settings to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

08 // Affected Products

Breeze Network Server (Development version)
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