CVE-2001-0299 in IP440
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Voyager web administration server for Nokia IP440 allows local users to cause a denial of service, and possibly execute arbitrary commands, via a long URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0299 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Voyager web administration server component of Nokia IP440 network equipment. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly handle excessively long URL parameters, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted requests can overwrite adjacent memory segments. The vulnerability specifically affects the web administration interface of the Nokia IP440 device, which serves as a crucial management portal for network configuration and monitoring operations.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow occurs when a local user submits a URL containing an abnormally long string of characters to the web administration server. The server processes this input without sufficient bounds checking, allowing the excessive data to overflow the allocated buffer space and overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can potentially redirect program execution flow, enabling attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation vector indicates that exploitation requires local system access, though the potential for remote code execution cannot be entirely ruled out given the nature of web-based interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it can potentially allow unauthorized execution of commands on the affected device. Network administrators relying on the Voyager web administration server for device management face significant risks, as successful exploitation could provide attackers with complete control over the network equipment. The device's role in IP440 network infrastructure means that compromise of the administration server could lead to widespread network disruption, unauthorized access to network resources, and potential data exfiltration. Organizations with multiple IP440 devices would face compounded risks, as exploitation of this vulnerability could propagate across their network infrastructure.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from Nokia addressing the buffer overflow vulnerability, network segmentation to limit access to administration interfaces, and implementation of intrusion detection systems monitoring for suspicious URL patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation that violates fundamental security principles. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious URL requests and establish strict access controls for administrative interfaces. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1499 for endpoint denial of service, highlighting the potential for both execution and disruption impacts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in legacy network equipment and ensure comprehensive protection against similar buffer overflow threats in the broader network infrastructure.