CVE-2002-1364 in Tracesroute
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the get_origin function in traceroute-nanog allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via long WHOIS responses.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1364 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the traceroute-nanog network diagnostic tool that exposes systems to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects the get_origin function which processes WHOIS responses during network tracing operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit memory corruption issues. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation when handling extended WHOIS query responses, allowing attackers to craft specially crafted responses that exceed the allocated buffer space and overwrite adjacent memory segments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the traceroute-nanog codebase where the get_origin function fails to adequately validate the length of incoming WHOIS data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs when attacker-controlled data exceeds the predetermined buffer capacity, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite return addresses and function pointers. According to CWE-121, this vulnerability maps directly to stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits arbitrary data to overwrite critical program memory structures. The attack vector requires an attacker to control or influence a WHOIS server response that traceroute-nanog encounters during normal operation, making this a remote exploitation scenario.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1364 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass full system compromise capabilities. When successfully exploited, the buffer overflow allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the traceroute-nanog process, potentially gaining elevated privileges depending on how the tool is executed. This vulnerability affects network administrators who rely on traceroute-nanog for network diagnostics and troubleshooting, as the tool typically runs with elevated privileges to access network interfaces and routing information. The attack scenario becomes particularly dangerous when considering that WHOIS queries are commonly used in network tracing operations, making the exploitation surface relatively accessible to attackers who can manipulate DNS or WHOIS server responses. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can lead to system compromise and privilege elevation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected traceroute-nanog installations to address the buffer overflow in the get_origin function through proper input validation and bounds checking. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious WHOIS servers while monitoring network traffic for suspicious WHOIS query patterns. The recommended remediation includes updating to patched versions of traceroute-nanog that implement proper buffer size validation, using input sanitization techniques, and implementing stack protection mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on anomalous WHOIS response patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining regular security assessments to identify similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in other network diagnostic tools and system utilities.