CVE-2000-0599 in iMesh
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in iMesh 1.02 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a long string to the iMesh port.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0599 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw discovered in iMesh version 1.02, a peer-to-peer file sharing application that was popular in the early 2000s. This vulnerability exists within the network communication protocol implementation of the iMesh client software, specifically when processing incoming data on its designated network port. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly check the length of incoming data streams before attempting to store them in fixed-size memory buffers. When a remote attacker sends a specially crafted payload containing an excessively long string to the iMesh port, the application's memory management routines become overwhelmed, leading to buffer overflow conditions that can be exploited to gain unauthorized control over the affected system. This particular vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where the overflow occurs in a stack-allocated buffer during program execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to establish a connection to the iMesh service port and transmit a maliciously constructed data packet containing a buffer overflow payload. The flaw operates by overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data structures within the program's execution context. Successful exploitation can result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the iMesh application, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for systems exposed to untrusted networks. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to enterprise environments where peer-to-peer applications might be running without proper network segmentation or firewall controls.
The impact of CVE-2000-0599 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to perform lateral movement within networks where iMesh clients are deployed. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access through network service exploitation and privilege escalation via code injection. Organizations running affected iMesh versions face potential data breaches, system compromise, and complete loss of control over affected endpoints. The vulnerability's age and the widespread deployment of iMesh in enterprise environments during that time period make it a particularly concerning historical example of how poorly implemented network protocols can create persistent security risks. Remediation efforts require immediate patching of the iMesh application to version 1.03 or later, along with network-level controls such as firewall rules that restrict access to the iMesh port from untrusted sources. Additionally, system administrators should implement network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts, and conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected applications or services running on the same network infrastructure. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in network service implementations, as well as the critical need for regular security updates and patch management procedures.