CVE-2002-0412 in ntop
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in TraceEvent function for ntop before 2.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by causing format strings to be injected into calls to the syslog function, via (1) an HTTP GET request, (2) a user name in HTTP authentication, or (3) a password in HTTP authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0412 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the TraceEvent function of ntop versions prior to 2.1. This flaw resides in the network monitoring and traffic analysis software that is widely used for network packet capture and analysis. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling of user-supplied data within the logging mechanism, specifically when the syslog function is invoked with untrusted format strings. The affected software processes user inputs without adequate sanitization, creating opportunities for malicious exploitation through carefully crafted input sequences that manipulate the format string interpretation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through three distinct attack vectors that all leverage the same underlying flaw in the TraceEvent function. Attackers can inject malicious format specifiers into HTTP GET requests, where the application processes these strings without proper validation before passing them to the syslog function. Additionally, the vulnerability extends to HTTP authentication mechanisms where user names and passwords can be manipulated to contain format string sequences that trigger code execution. The fundamental issue lies in the application's failure to properly escape or validate user inputs before incorporating them into format string operations, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow and potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of untrusted data in format string functions and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any system running affected versions of ntop. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the ntop process, which typically runs with elevated permissions to access network interfaces and system resources. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects network monitoring capabilities and can be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where ntop is used for critical network visibility and security monitoring. Organizations using vulnerable versions face potential data breaches, system infiltration, and disruption of network monitoring operations. The attack surface is broad since HTTP requests and authentication are common network operations that are frequently targeted by attackers, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in publicly accessible network monitoring systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0412 require immediate action to address the root cause through software updates and input validation improvements. The primary and most effective mitigation is upgrading to ntop version 2.1 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and format string handling. Organizations should implement strict input validation for all user-supplied data, particularly in HTTP request parameters and authentication mechanisms, ensuring that format specifiers are properly escaped or filtered. Network administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls, input filtering rules, and monitoring for suspicious format string patterns in log files. The solution should also include regular security assessments of network monitoring tools and implementation of secure coding practices that prevent format string vulnerabilities in custom applications. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable ntop instances and implement comprehensive monitoring for exploitation attempts. The remediation process must include thorough testing of updated software to ensure that security fixes do not introduce compatibility issues with existing network monitoring workflows and configurations.