CVE-1999-0715 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Remote Access Service (RAS) client allows an attacker to execute commands or cause a denial of service via a malformed phonebook entry.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-1999-0715 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Remote Access Service client component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This issue specifically manifests when processing malformed phonebook entries, which are used to store connection parameters for remote access connections. The vulnerability exists in the client-side processing logic that fails to properly validate input data before attempting to store it in fixed-size memory buffers. When an attacker crafts a specially constructed phonebook entry containing excessive data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, the overflow occurs during the parsing process, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The RAS client application processes phonebook files without adequate input sanitization, making it susceptible to exploitation through carefully crafted malformed entries. This flaw operates at the application layer and requires minimal privileges to exploit, as the vulnerability exists within the client-side processing rather than requiring elevated system access. The buffer overflow can be triggered when the application attempts to copy data from an untrusted source into a fixed-length buffer, causing the overflow to overwrite adjacent memory regions including return addresses and control data structures.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on remote access connectivity through Windows systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain arbitrary code execution privileges on the target system, potentially leading to full system compromise. The denial of service aspect of this vulnerability means that even unsuccessful exploitation attempts could render the remote access service unavailable, disrupting legitimate business operations and user connectivity. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it can be delivered through seemingly benign phonebook entries that users might encounter during normal network browsing or when connecting to remote systems. This makes the vulnerability difficult to detect and defend against, as it may be triggered through legitimate user actions such as connecting to a network resource or viewing network shares.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-1999-0715 should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. System administrators should implement strict input validation controls and ensure that all phonebook entries are properly sanitized before processing. The recommended approach includes applying the relevant Microsoft security patches released in response to this vulnerability, which typically involve updating the RAS client component with proper buffer boundary checking. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact by restricting access to systems that process remote access connections. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual phonebook file modifications can provide early detection capabilities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting thorough code reviews to prevent similar buffer overflow conditions in other applications. Organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious network traffic patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts, and regularly audit remote access configurations to minimize attack surface exposure.