CVE-1999-1457 is a buffer overflow vulnerability found in the thttpd HTTP server versions prior to 2.04-31, specifically identified in version 1.90a. The vulnerability arises due to improper handling of a long date string input by the tdate_parse function. When a remote attacker sends a specially crafted HTTP request containing an excessively long date string, the server fails to properly validate or limit the input length, leading to a buffer overflow condition. This overflow can overwrite adjacent memory, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system without authentication. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without requiring user interaction, making it a significant risk. The CVSS v2 score of 7.5 reflects a high severity level, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no authentication required, and potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Despite its age, the vulnerability remains relevant for legacy systems still running vulnerable versions of thttpd. No official patch is available for this specific version, increasing the risk for unpatched systems. The lack of known exploits in the wild suggests limited active exploitation, but the potential for damage remains high if exploited.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability could be substantial if legacy systems running vulnerable thttpd versions are still in use, particularly in industrial, academic, or governmental environments where older software may persist. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain control over affected servers. This could result in data breaches compromising confidentiality, defacement or manipulation of web content affecting integrity, and denial of service conditions impacting availability. Organizations relying on thttpd for web services may face operational disruptions, reputational damage, and potential regulatory consequences under GDPR if personal data is exposed. The risk is heightened in sectors with critical infrastructure or sensitive data, where attackers could leverage this vulnerability as an entry point for broader network compromise.

Given the absence of an official patch for the affected version, European organizations should prioritize the following specific mitigation steps: 1) Immediate identification and inventory of all systems running thttpd, especially version 1.90a or earlier. 2) Upgrade to the latest available thttpd version (2.04-31 or later) where the vulnerability is addressed. If upgrading is not feasible, consider replacing thttpd with a modern, actively maintained HTTP server. 3) Implement network-level protections such as Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block anomalously long date strings or malformed HTTP headers that could trigger the overflow. 4) Employ strict input validation and filtering on any front-end proxies or load balancers to sanitize incoming HTTP requests. 5) Restrict network exposure of vulnerable servers by limiting access to trusted IP ranges and using VPNs or internal networks where possible. 6) Monitor server logs and network traffic for unusual patterns indicative of exploitation attempts, such as abnormal HTTP header lengths or unexpected command execution. 7) Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on legacy systems to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities proactively.