CVE-2002-1386 in Tracesroute
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in traceroute-nanog (aka traceroute-ng) may allow local users to execute arbitrary code via a long hostname argument.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1386 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the traceroute-nanog implementation that affects network diagnostic tools used for tracing packet routes across network infrastructure. This particular version of traceroute, known as traceroute-ng, was designed to provide enhanced functionality over traditional traceroute implementations but introduced a dangerous programming oversight that could be exploited by local attackers. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes a hostname argument that exceeds the allocated buffer space, creating conditions where adjacent memory locations can be overwritten with malicious data.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation within the traceroute-ng codebase, where the application fails to properly sanitize or limit the length of hostname arguments passed to the program. When a local user provides an excessively long hostname string as an argument, the program's internal buffer allocation cannot accommodate the input data, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical program variables or return addresses. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory regions, and represents a classic example of CWE-787, the specific variant involving out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it creates a potential attack vector that could be exploited in various network security contexts. Local users with access to the system can leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code with the permissions of the traceroute process, which typically runs with elevated privileges to access network interfaces. The attack surface is particularly concerning because traceroute utilities are commonly installed on systems for network troubleshooting purposes, making them accessible to various user accounts while maintaining the necessary privileges to manipulate network traffic. This vulnerability can be exploited to establish persistent backdoors or to escalate privileges to root level access, depending on the execution environment and system configuration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1386 require immediate attention through software patching and system hardening measures that address the root cause of the buffer overflow vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize updating to patched versions of traceroute-ng that implement proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms to prevent excessive buffer overflows. System administrators should also consider implementing access controls that limit who can execute traceroute commands, particularly in environments where local privilege escalation poses significant risk. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privilege escalation vulnerabilities, and requires defensive measures such as input sanitization, stack protection mechanisms, and regular security audits to prevent similar flaws from being introduced in network utility implementations. Additionally, monitoring for unusual traceroute execution patterns and implementing proper privilege separation between user-level applications and network access utilities can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts.