CVE-2001-0218 in mars_nwe
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in mars_nwe 0.99.pl19 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0218 represents a critical format string flaw in the mars_nwe 0.99.pl19 software component, which operates within network security monitoring systems. This particular vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input data that gets processed through format string functions without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw enables malicious actors to manipulate the program's execution flow by injecting specially crafted format specifiers into input parameters, potentially leading to unauthorized command execution on the affected system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data in programming contexts. When the mars_nwe software processes input through vulnerable format string functions, attackers can exploit the lack of proper input validation to inject format specifiers that reference memory locations containing sensitive data or executable code. This exploitation technique allows adversaries to manipulate the program's behavior, potentially reading arbitrary memory locations, overwriting critical program variables, or even executing arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected service.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to network security infrastructure as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication or prior access to the system. The impact extends beyond simple command execution to potentially compromise the entire security monitoring framework, allowing attackers to bypass security controls, modify log data, or establish persistent access points within the network. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from external networks, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on mars_nwe for network traffic analysis and security monitoring.
The attack surface for this vulnerability encompasses any system running mars_nwe 0.99.pl19 that accepts user input through network interfaces or command-line parameters. Attackers typically leverage this flaw by sending specially crafted input to the vulnerable application, which then processes the input through insecure format string operations. The exploitation process follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059, where adversaries use command and scripting interpreters to execute malicious code, and T1211, involving the exploitation of vulnerabilities in software to execute arbitrary commands. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, updating to patched versions, and network segmentation to limit exposure. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious input patterns and implementing proper access controls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in security applications where user input handling directly impacts system integrity and security posture.