CVE-1999-0774 in Mars NetWare Emulation
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflows in Mars NetWare Emulation (NWE, mars_nwe) package via long directory names.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-1999-0774 represents a classic buffer overflow flaw within the Mars NetWare Emulation package, specifically affecting the NWE component known as mars_nwe. This issue manifests when the system processes directory names that exceed predetermined length limits, creating a condition where memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries gets overwritten. The Mars NetWare Emulation package serves as a compatibility layer enabling unix systems to communicate with netware networks, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments relying on such network interoperability solutions.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation within the directory name handling routines of the mars_nwe module. When a user or application submits a directory name exceeding the fixed buffer size allocated for storage, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical system data structures or executable code. This flaw falls under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, specifically classified as a stack-based buffer overflow given the nature of the memory corruption pattern. The vulnerability demonstrates the classic characteristics of unsafe string handling operations where functions like strcpy or sprintf are employed without proper bounds checking against user-supplied directory names.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as it creates potential exploitation vectors for malicious actors seeking to compromise networked systems. An attacker could leverage this buffer overflow to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process, potentially escalating to system-level access. The attack surface is particularly broad since directory name handling occurs frequently in network operations, file system interactions, and user authentication processes within the netware emulation environment. Systems running the affected mars_nwe package are susceptible to denial of service attacks through memory corruption, or more severe exploitation leading to unauthorized system access and data compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious commands through compromised network services.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the mars_nwe component through official vendor updates or source code modifications that implement proper input validation and buffer boundary checks. System administrators should employ input sanitization measures to restrict directory name lengths and implement proper memory management practices within the affected software modules. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of systems running vulnerable netware emulation packages. The remediation process must include thorough testing to ensure that input validation does not inadvertently break legitimate network operations while maintaining the security integrity of the emulation layer. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific buffer overflow vulnerability.