CVE-2002-1891 in IRCIT
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in IRCIT 0.3.1 IRC client allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long invite request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1891 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the IRCIT 0.3.1 internet relay chat client software. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the client processes an invite request from a remote attacker, creating a condition where malicious input can overflow the allocated buffer space and potentially overwrite adjacent memory regions. The flaw exists in the client's handling of network communication protocols, particularly in the parsing and validation of incoming invite commands that are fundamental to irc client functionality.
This buffer overflow vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The technical implementation of the vulnerability occurs during the processing of IRC protocol commands, specifically when the client receives an invite request containing excessive data. The IRCIT client fails to properly validate the length of the invite command parameters, allowing an attacker to craft a malicious payload that exceeds the predetermined buffer size. When the client attempts to process this oversized invite request, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. An attacker positioned on the network can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted invite request to a target user running IRCIT 0.3.1, potentially gaining full control of the affected system. This represents a severe privilege escalation vector that could enable attackers to install malware, establish persistent backdoors, or access sensitive system resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where IRC clients are frequently used for communication, as it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be delivered through standard network protocols without requiring authentication.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1891 should prioritize immediate software updates and patches from the vendor, as the vulnerability affects a specific version of the IRCIT client that has likely been superseded by more secure implementations. Network administrators should implement perimeter controls and monitoring to detect anomalous invite request patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and script interpreter, as exploitation typically involves executing malicious code through compromised client processes. Additionally, defensive measures should include input validation enforcement, network segmentation to limit exposure, and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network communication applications. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying buffer overflow patterns in network traffic to provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts.