CVE-2002-2372 in Infoprint 21
Summary
by MITRE
The telnet server in Infoprint 21 running controller software before 1.056007 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a long username, possibly due to a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2372 affects the telnet server component within Infoprint 21 controller software versions prior to 1.056007. This issue represents a classic buffer overflow condition that manifests during authentication processes when handling user input. The vulnerability specifically targets the username field during telnet session establishment, where an attacker can craft a maliciously long username string that exceeds the allocated buffer space. This flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the inherent weakness in input validation mechanisms within the telnet server implementation. The affected system architecture processes user credentials sequentially, with insufficient bounds checking on the username parameter before it is copied into internal memory buffers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully constructed username input that exceeds the predetermined buffer size allocated for username storage. When the telnet server receives this oversized input, it fails to properly validate the length before processing, leading to memory corruption that results in application termination. This buffer overflow condition typically manifests as a stack-based overflow where the excessive data overwrites adjacent memory locations, including return addresses and control information. The vulnerability follows the CWE-121 pattern of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite program control structures. The specific nature of this flaw means that any remote user attempting to establish a telnet connection can trigger the condition, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where telnet services are exposed to untrusted networks.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-2372 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the availability of critical printing operations within enterprise environments. When the telnet server crashes, it interrupts legitimate user access to the Infoprint 21 system, creating denial of service conditions that can affect document processing workflows. This vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks, where adversaries target network services to prevent legitimate access. The impact is particularly severe in mission-critical printing environments where continuous operation is essential, as the service disruption can halt production workflows and require manual intervention to restore system functionality. Organizations relying on this specific controller software for document management and printing operations face significant operational risks when this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2372 should focus on immediate patch deployment and implementation of network-level protections. The primary solution involves upgrading the Infoprint 21 controller software to version 1.056007 or later, which includes proper input validation and buffer management fixes. Network administrators should also consider disabling telnet services entirely and transitioning to more secure remote access protocols such as ssh. Additionally, implementing input length restrictions at the network level through firewalls or proxy servers can provide defense-in-depth protection against malformed username inputs. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, aligning with CWE-665 guidelines for proper initialization of resources and buffer management. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and maintain updated inventories of all controller software versions to prevent similar issues from affecting operational systems.