CVE-2001-1208 in BBS
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in DayDream BBS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in a file containing a ~#RA control code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1208 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the DayDream BBS software, a bulletin board system that was widely used in the late 1990s and early 2000s for online communication and file sharing. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-134, which specifically addresses format string vulnerabilities where program input is used as a format string without proper validation. The DayDream BBS system was particularly susceptible to exploitation because it failed to properly sanitize user input containing the ~#RA control code, which served as a trigger for the format string vulnerability.
The technical flaw manifests when the BBS system processes files containing the ~#RA control code, which contains format string specifiers that are then passed directly to printf or similar functions without proper validation. This allows attackers to craft malicious input that can manipulate the program's execution flow by exploiting the format string vulnerability. When the system processes such input, it interprets the format specifiers as instructions for reading from memory locations or writing to specific addresses, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute code on the target system without requiring authentication or local access, making it a severe security risk for any system running vulnerable versions of DayDream BBS.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote code execution, which can result in complete system compromise, data theft, or service disruption. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the system, install backdoors, modify system files, or launch further attacks against networked systems. The vulnerability affects systems where DayDream BBS is installed and actively processing user input, particularly in environments where the BBS system is accessible over networks or the internet. This makes it particularly dangerous for organizations or individuals who host BBS systems, as the attack surface extends to anyone with network access to the vulnerable system, potentially leading to widespread compromise across connected networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the DayDream BBS software to properly validate and sanitize all user input, particularly input containing control codes like ~#RA. Organizations should implement input validation mechanisms that prevent format string specifiers from being processed as part of user-controlled input. Additionally, system administrators should consider disabling or restricting the use of potentially dangerous control codes within the BBS system configuration. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised system. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be implemented to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems, while network segmentation can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Given the age of this vulnerability, organizations should also consider migrating away from legacy BBS systems to modern secure communication platforms to eliminate exposure to such historical vulnerabilities.