CVE-2002-0393 in Red-M
Summary
by MITRE
buffer overflow in red-m 1050 (bluetooth access point) management web interface allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long administration password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0393 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the management web interface of the red-m 1050 Bluetooth access point device. This particular vulnerability resides in the device's administrative password handling mechanism, where insufficient input validation allows malicious actors to exploit memory corruption through crafted long password inputs. The red-m 1050 device operates as a wireless access point that facilitates Bluetooth connectivity for mobile devices, making it a potential target for attackers seeking to compromise network infrastructure. The buffer overflow occurs during the processing of administrative credentials, where the system fails to properly validate the length of the password input before copying it into a fixed-size memory buffer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer overflow pattern where an attacker inputs an excessively long string into the administration password field of the web interface. When the device processes this input without proper bounds checking, the overflow corrupts adjacent memory locations, potentially overwriting critical program variables or return addresses. This memory corruption can lead to unpredictable behavior, including application crashes that result in denial of service conditions. More critically, if the overflow is carefully crafted, it may allow attackers to overwrite function pointers or execute return-oriented programming gadgets, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution on the device. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the management interface, which typically requires administrative privileges and provides direct access to device configuration parameters and network settings.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0393 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire wireless networks that rely on the red-m 1050 access points. Network administrators who use this device for Bluetooth connectivity management face significant risks when the device becomes vulnerable to remote exploitation. The vulnerability affects the device's web-based administration interface, which means that attackers can potentially access the device from any location with internet connectivity, provided they can reach the device's IP address and web management port. The denial of service aspect can render the wireless access point unusable, disrupting Bluetooth connectivity for all connected mobile devices and potentially affecting business operations that depend on wireless network services. Additionally, the potential for arbitrary code execution creates scenarios where attackers could install backdoors, modify network configurations, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0393 should prioritize immediate network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure of vulnerable devices. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts against the web interface. The most effective long-term solution involves applying vendor-provided firmware updates that address the buffer overflow vulnerability through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Network administrators should also consider disabling the web management interface when not actively required and implement strong authentication measures including multi-factor authentication for administrative access. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a clear example of how improper input validation can lead to severe security consequences. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communications, remote service exploitation, and privilege escalation through administrative interface compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded network devices, particularly those handling administrative functions and user credentials. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other network devices that may be susceptible to similar buffer overflow conditions, as the red-m 1050 device represents just one example of how embedded systems can contain exploitable memory corruption vulnerabilities in their management interfaces.