CVE-2000-0472 in INN
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in innd 2.2.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a cancel request containing a long message ID.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0472 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the innd daemon version 2.2.2, which serves as the news server component for the widely used Usenet news system. This vulnerability specifically manifests when processing cancel requests containing excessively long message IDs, creating a scenario where attacker-controlled input can overwrite adjacent memory regions in the application's execution space. The innd daemon operates as a privileged service handling network communications for Usenet news articles, making it an attractive target for remote exploitation. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the processing routine for cancel requests, where the system fails to properly sanitize the length of message identifiers before storing them in fixed-size buffers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer overflow pattern that aligns with CWE-121, which describes the condition where a program writes data to a buffer beyond its allocated bounds. When a remote attacker sends a cancel request with an overly long message ID, the innd process attempts to store this data in a predetermined memory buffer without sufficient size verification. This overflow can overwrite critical program variables, return addresses, or function pointers, potentially allowing attackers to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates over network connections, enabling remote code execution without requiring local system access. The attack vector specifically targets the network news protocol implementation, leveraging the legitimate cancel functionality to deliver malicious payloads that can manipulate the program's execution context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can provide attackers with complete control over systems running vulnerable innd versions. Organizations relying on Usenet news services for internal communications or external news distribution face significant risks when systems remain unpatched. The vulnerability can be exploited to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the innd daemon process, which typically runs with elevated permissions to manage news server operations. This access can enable attackers to modify news articles, create false news messages, or even establish persistent backdoors within network infrastructure. The exploitability of this flaw demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in network services, as the vulnerability exists in the core processing logic for legitimate news server functions rather than in auxiliary or administrative features.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0472 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The primary solution involves upgrading to patched versions of innd that implement proper input length validation and buffer boundary checks, as recommended by the vendor and security advisories from organizations like the CERT/CC. Network administrators should also implement defensive measures such as firewall rules restricting access to news server ports, intrusion detection system monitoring for suspicious cancel request patterns, and regular security audits of network services. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization techniques including length limits on message identifiers, using safe string handling functions, and employing memory protection mechanisms can prevent similar buffer overflow scenarios. The vulnerability exemplifies ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would allow execution of arbitrary commands through the compromised news server service. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable services and maintain comprehensive logging of news server activities to detect potential exploitation attempts.