CVE-2001-1466 in SecureCRT
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in VanDyke SecureCRT before 3.4.2, when using the SSH-1 protocol, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long (1) username or (2) password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1466 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in VanDyke SecureCRT terminal emulation software prior to version 3.4.2. This security weakness specifically manifests when the application employs the SSH-1 protocol for secure remote connections, creating a pathway for remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access through carefully crafted input sequences. The vulnerability affects the authentication phase of the SSH-1 connection process, where the software fails to properly validate input lengths for user credentials, leading to potential memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the SecureCRT application's SSH-1 protocol handler. When a remote attacker supplies an excessively long username or password string, the application's internal buffer allocation fails to accommodate the oversized input, resulting in memory overwrite conditions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. The flaw specifically targets the credential handling components of the SSH-1 implementation, making it particularly dangerous as it occurs during the authentication process when attackers can potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can compromise entire network infrastructure. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can execute arbitrary commands on systems running vulnerable versions of SecureCRT, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within network environments. The SSH-1 protocol's inherent design limitations, combined with the buffer overflow implementation, create a particularly dangerous attack vector since the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring authentication to the target system initially. This makes it especially problematic for organizations relying on SecureCRT for remote administration tasks, as the attack surface expands to include any system where vulnerable versions are deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1466 primarily involve immediate software updates to version 3.4.2 or later, which addresses the buffer overflow conditions through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while monitoring for suspicious authentication attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in cryptographic applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation. Additionally, organizations should consider migrating from SSH-1 to SSH-2 protocols where possible, as SSH-1 contains multiple security weaknesses beyond this particular buffer overflow. Security teams should also implement intrusion detection systems to monitor for potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all vulnerable software components are promptly updated. The vulnerability serves as a historical example of how legacy protocol implementations can contain critical security flaws that require immediate attention and remediation to prevent exploitation by threat actors.