CVE-2000-0706 in ntop
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflows in ntop running in web mode allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0706 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in the ntop network monitoring tool when operating in web mode. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation and improper memory management within the web interface component of ntop, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system. The buffer overflow occurs when the web server component processes user-supplied input without adequate bounds checking, allowing malicious data to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
This vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web interface functionality of ntop, which is designed to provide network traffic analysis and monitoring capabilities through a web browser interface. The flaw manifests when remote attackers send specially crafted requests to the web server, causing the application to write data beyond the allocated buffer space. The technical implementation involves stack-based buffer overflow conditions where attacker-controlled input exceeds the predetermined buffer limits, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the ntop process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target machine, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects systems running ntop in web mode, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network monitoring tools are exposed to untrusted networks. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on ntop for network security monitoring, as the very tool designed to detect threats can become a vector for compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0706 should include immediate patching of the ntop software to address the buffer overflow conditions, followed by network segmentation to limit exposure of the web interface to trusted users only. Organizations should implement proper input validation controls and consider disabling web mode if not essential for operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote command execution, representing a classic privilege escalation vector that demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in network monitoring applications. System administrators should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain detailed audit logs to track potential compromise activities.