CVE-2002-2223 in Netscreen Remote Security Client
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in NetScreen-Remote 8.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via crafted Internet Key Exchange (IKE) response packets, possibly including (1) a large Security Parameter Index (SPI) field, (2) large number of payloads, or (3) a long payload.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2223 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in NetScreen-Remote 8.0 software, which operates as a network security appliance for remote access and virtual private network connections. This vulnerability specifically targets the Internet Key Exchange protocol implementation within the NetScreen firewall system, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this technology for secure communications. The flaw exists in the processing of IKE response packets, which are fundamental to establishing secure connections between network devices and remote users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and buffer management within the IKE packet handling mechanism. When the NetScreen-Remote 8.0 system receives crafted IKE response packets, it fails to properly validate the size and structure of various packet components including the Security Parameter Index field, the number of payloads, or the length of individual payloads. This lack of proper bounds checking allows attackers to overflow the allocated memory buffers, causing unpredictable behavior in the system's operation. The vulnerability manifests through three primary vectors: oversized SPI fields that exceed expected parameter limits, an excessive number of payloads that surpass memory allocation capacity, and individual payload lengths that exceed maximum allowable sizes. These vectors align with common software security weaknesses categorized under CWE-121, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous for network security infrastructure. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause the NetScreen-Remote 8.0 system to crash and restart, resulting in service disruption that can last for extended periods and potentially impact critical network communications. However, the more severe implications involve the possibility of arbitrary code execution, which would allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to the system and potentially escalate privileges to full administrative control. This capability directly maps to the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for command and control, where attackers could establish persistent access through the compromised system. The vulnerability affects organizations using NetScreen firewalls for remote access, particularly those with remote workers or distributed network environments relying on secure VPN connections.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations to protect their network infrastructure from exploitation attempts. The primary recommendation involves applying vendor-provided security patches or firmware updates that address the buffer overflow conditions in the IKE packet processing. Network administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks. Monitoring network traffic for anomalous IKE packet patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts before they succeed. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management in network security appliances, emphasizing that even critical infrastructure components must maintain robust defensive measures against buffer overflow attacks. Organizations should also review their overall security posture and implement regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other network components that may present comparable risks to their operational environment.