CVE-2002-2225 in Softremote VPN Client
Summary
by MITRE
SafeNet VPN client allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via crafted Internet Key Exchange (IKE) response packets, possibly involving buffer overflows using (1) a large Security Parameter Index (SPI) field, (2) a 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-2002-2225 affects the SafeNet VPN client implementation and represents a critical security flaw in the Internet Key Exchange protocol processing capabilities. This vulnerability resides within the IKE message handling mechanism where the client fails to properly validate incoming packets, creating opportunities for remote attackers to exploit buffer overflow conditions that can lead to system compromise. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the IKE response processing code, making it susceptible to malformed packet structures that exceed expected parameter boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted IKE response packets that manipulate three specific parameters within the protocol structure. The first vector involves manipulating the Security Parameter Index field to exceed normal buffer limits, while the second exploits excessive payload counts that overwhelm memory allocation routines. The third vector targets payload length parameters that can cause buffer overflows when processing extended data segments. These attack vectors align with common software security weaknesses documented in CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflows. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries exploit weaknesses in software to gain unauthorized access or cause system disruption.
From an operational impact perspective, successful exploitation of CVE-2002-2225 can result in complete system compromise through remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to network resources and potentially escalate privileges within the affected environment. The denial of service component of this vulnerability can disrupt legitimate network communications and VPN services, creating availability issues that may affect business operations. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on VPN connectivity for remote access.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying vendor patches and updates to the SafeNet VPN client software, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and configuring intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious IKE traffic patterns. Network administrators should also consider implementing access control lists that restrict IKE protocol traffic to trusted sources and regularly monitor system logs for signs of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in network security protocols, emphasizing the need for defensive coding techniques that prevent buffer overflow conditions. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their VPN infrastructure to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other network security components.