CVE-2002-0391 in FreeBSD
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in xdr_array function in RPC servers for operating systems that use libc, glibc, or other code based on SunRPC including dietlibc, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by passing a large number of arguments to xdr_array through RPC services such as rpc.cmsd and dmispd.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0391 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the xdr_array function of Remote Procedure Call implementations in Unix-like operating systems. This issue affects systems utilizing libc, glibc, or other codebases derived from SunRPC including dietlibc implementations. The vulnerability manifests when RPC servers process array data structures through the xdr_array function, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted input can trigger unexpected behavior in the underlying memory management mechanisms.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of array size parameters within the xdr_array function implementation. When remote attackers supply a large number of arguments to RPC services that utilize this function, the integer overflow occurs during the calculation of memory allocation requirements for the array data structure. This overflow results in insufficient memory allocation or incorrect memory boundaries, which can subsequently be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw specifically impacts RPC services such as rpc.cmsd and dmispd, which are commonly used for content management and distributed messaging operations in networked environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The integer overflow creates opportunities for memory corruption that can be leveraged through various attack vectors including buffer overflows, stack smashing, or heap corruption techniques. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to system resources, escalate privileges, or compromise the integrity of the affected services. The implications are particularly severe for network services that rely heavily on RPC mechanisms for inter-process communication and distributed computing operations.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as mapping to CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions in software implementations. The attack surface for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of remote services through malformed input processing. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected systems with updated libc and glibc implementations that address the integer overflow in xdr_array functions. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable RPC services to untrusted networks. Additionally, monitoring for unusual RPC traffic patterns and implementing input validation controls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing affected RPC implementations and ensure comprehensive remediation across their infrastructure.