CVE-2002-0657 in OpenSSL
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in OpenSSL 0.9.7 before 0.9.7-beta3, with Kerberos enabled, allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long master key.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0657 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the OpenSSL cryptographic library version 0.9.7 before the beta3 release. This issue specifically manifests when the library is compiled with Kerberos support enabled, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution on affected systems. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation during the processing of Kerberos master keys, where the software fails to properly check the length of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. This particular vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be executed remotely without authentication, making it highly attractive to malicious actors seeking to compromise systems running vulnerable OpenSSL implementations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a specially formatted Kerberos master key that exceeds the allocated buffer size within the OpenSSL library. When the library processes this oversized key, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially overwriting critical program variables, return addresses, or other control data. This memory corruption can be carefully manipulated to redirect program execution flow to malicious code injected by the attacker. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the core cryptographic library that many applications depend upon, including web servers, email systems, and other network services that utilize SSL/TLS encryption. According to the ATT&CK framework, this represents a privilege escalation technique through memory corruption, specifically mapping to the T1068 privilege escalation tactic and T1203 legitimate program exploitation sub-technique. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially full system compromise, as successful exploitation can allow attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0657 was severe and widespread across the internet infrastructure of the early 2000s, as OpenSSL was widely deployed in web servers, mail systems, and other critical network services. Organizations running vulnerable versions faced the risk of complete system compromise, data breaches, and unauthorized access to sensitive communications. The vulnerability's remote exploitability meant that attackers could target systems without requiring physical access or prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible services. Network administrators and security professionals had to urgently patch affected systems, often requiring service downtime during the update process. The vulnerability highlighted the critical importance of timely security updates and proper input validation in cryptographic libraries, as the flaw existed in widely-used software that many organizations relied upon for secure communications. The incident underscored the need for robust security testing and code review processes, particularly for software components handling sensitive cryptographic operations. Organizations that failed to patch their systems remained vulnerable to exploitation by automated scanning tools and targeted attacks, potentially leading to significant financial losses, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage. This vulnerability served as a catalyst for improved security practices in the software industry, emphasizing the need for proactive vulnerability management and the importance of maintaining up-to-date cryptographic libraries to prevent similar incidents.