CVE-2001-1566 in Perdition
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in libvanessa_logger 0.0.1 in Perdition 0.1.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the __vanessa_logger_log function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1566 represents a critical format string flaw within the libvanessa_logger library version 0.0.1 that is part of the Perdition 0.1.8 mail server implementation. This issue stems from improper input validation within the __vanessa_logger_log function where user-supplied data is directly processed through format string operations without adequate sanitization. The flaw exists in the logging subsystem of a mail server application, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through network-based attacks targeting the mail server's logging functionality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers craft malicious input containing format string specifiers that are then passed to the vulnerable logging function. When the application processes these malformed strings, the format specifiers can be interpreted by the printf-family functions, leading to potential information disclosure, stack corruption, or arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data, making it a well-documented and highly dangerous class of vulnerability. The attack vector leverages the fundamental weakness in how the application handles user input within logging contexts, where the assumption is made that all input is safe and properly formatted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage the format string vulnerability to overwrite critical memory locations, manipulate program flow, or extract sensitive information from the server's memory space. This presents a significant risk to mail server infrastructure, as the Perdition mail server is commonly used in enterprise environments where unauthorized access could lead to data breaches, email interception, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects the core logging functionality, which is typically invoked during normal server operations, making exploitation both feasible and persistent.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1566 require immediate patching of the affected libvanessa_logger library to version 0.0.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly sanitize user input before processing format strings. Organizations should also implement input validation measures that prevent user-supplied data from being processed through format string functions, adhering to the principle of least privilege in logging operations. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable mail server services, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous logging behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised system through the vulnerable logging mechanism. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices, particularly regarding the proper handling of user input in all application components including logging subsystems.