CVE-2002-1912 in EMR5000
Summary
by MITRE
SkyStream EMR5000 1.16 through 1.18 does not drop packets or disable the Ethernet interface when the buffers are full, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (null pointer exception and kernel panic) via a large number of packets.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2024
The SkyStream EMR5000 1.16 through 1.18 firmware versions contain a critical buffer management flaw that fundamentally compromises system stability and availability. This vulnerability resides in the network packet handling mechanism where the device fails to implement proper buffer overflow protection measures. When the Ethernet interface receives an excessive volume of packets that exceed the available buffer capacity, the system does not gracefully handle this condition by dropping packets or disabling the interface as expected. Instead, the device continues processing the incoming traffic until it reaches a critical state where the kernel encounters a null pointer exception and subsequently triggers a kernel panic, resulting in complete system failure.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and CWE-128, which covers handling of underflow and overflow conditions. The flaw represents a classic example of inadequate input validation and resource management where the system does not properly account for buffer limitations during high traffic scenarios. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates an attractive target for denial of service attacks as remote attackers can systematically overwhelm the device with a large number of packets to trigger the null pointer exception and kernel panic conditions. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication and can be executed from any remote location with network access to the device.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it can lead to complete system compromise and require manual intervention for recovery. When a kernel panic occurs, the system becomes unresponsive and typically requires a complete reboot to restore functionality. This creates significant operational challenges for network infrastructure where uptime is critical, particularly in environments where these devices serve as core network components. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and T1566.001, which addresses phishing with malicious attachments, as the device could be targeted as part of broader network infiltration campaigns.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper buffer management protocols that include automatic packet dropping mechanisms when buffer thresholds are exceeded. Network administrators should consider implementing traffic shaping and rate limiting measures at network boundaries to prevent excessive packet flooding. Firmware updates from SkyStream addressing this specific vulnerability should be prioritized, though the affected versions represent older software that may no longer receive support. Additional protective measures include network segmentation to isolate affected devices, implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for abnormal packet patterns, and establishing robust monitoring protocols to detect early signs of buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper resource management in embedded network devices and highlights the necessity of implementing comprehensive buffer overflow protection mechanisms as part of secure system design principles.