CVE-2001-0397 in Collector SRC
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Silent Runner Collector (SRC) 1.6.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service, and possibly execute arbitrary commands, via a long SMTP HELO command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0397 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Silent Runner Collector version 1.6.1, a network monitoring tool designed to collect and analyze email traffic. This issue stems from inadequate input validation in the SMTP HELO command processing functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through remote network connections. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of extended input data during the initial SMTP handshake process, where the collector fails to properly validate the length of the HELO command parameter.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the Silent Runner Collector receives an SMTP HELO command containing excessive data beyond the allocated buffer space. This condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations within the application's execution environment, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or complete system compromise. The flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring local system access or elevated privileges. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that SMTP servers typically accept connections from untrusted sources, making the attack surface expansive.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on Silent Runner Collector for email monitoring and security analysis. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can potentially disrupt email services through denial of service attacks or gain unauthorized access to systems, particularly when the collector is deployed in environments with untrusted network access. The potential for arbitrary code execution transforms this vulnerability from a simple disruption mechanism into a full compromise vector, allowing attackers to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the affected network environment.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Silent Runner Collector, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected system, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious SMTP HELO command patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation in network services. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for the collector service and monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services, emphasizing the need for proper service hardening and network monitoring to detect and prevent such attacks.