CVE-2002-1754 in NetWare Client
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Novell NetWare Client 4.80 through 4.83 allows local users to cause a denial of service (crash) by using ping, traceroute, or a similar utility to force the client to resolve a large hostname.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1754 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Novell NetWare Client versions 4.80 through 4.83 that specifically targets the client's hostname resolution mechanisms. This vulnerability operates through the client's network utility functions, particularly when processing ping, traceroute, or similar diagnostic tools that require hostname resolution. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and buffer management within the client's network communication stack, where the system fails to properly handle excessively long hostname strings during the resolution process.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when a local user deliberately crafts a large hostname string and utilizes network diagnostic utilities that trigger the client's DNS or NetBIOS resolution routines. The buffer overflow manifests when the client attempts to store the oversized hostname in a fixed-length buffer that cannot accommodate the input data, causing memory corruption that ultimately leads to application termination. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of unsafe string handling in network client applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1754 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially compromise the overall stability and availability of networked systems that rely on Novell NetWare Client functionality. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause the client application to crash repeatedly, effectively rendering network connectivity unreliable for users who depend on the client for network access. This creates cascading effects in enterprise environments where multiple users may be simultaneously affected, leading to widespread service disruption and potential business continuity issues. The vulnerability's local exploitation requirement means that attackers must already have access to the target system, but this access level provides significant operational leverage for causing persistent service degradation.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of Novell NetWare Client beyond version 4.83, applying vendor security patches, and implementing network segmentation to limit local access to client systems. The remediation process should also include monitoring network traffic for suspicious hostname resolution patterns and implementing input validation controls at network boundaries. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service, specifically mapping to tactics that involve service availability compromise and system resource exhaustion. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network access controls and user privilege management to reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation opportunities.