CVE-2003-0001 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC) device drivers do not pad frames with null bytes, which allows remote attackers to obtain information from previous packets or kernel memory by using malformed packets, as demonstrated by Etherleak.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
This vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in ethernet network interface card driver implementations that violates core networking security principles. The issue stems from improper frame handling where device drivers fail to properly pad network frames with null bytes during transmission, creating predictable memory access patterns that can be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability specifically affects the way network drivers process and transmit data packets, leaving residual data from previous packets or kernel memory accessible through carefully crafted malformed packets. This weakness enables attackers to perform information disclosure attacks by leveraging the predictable memory layout and frame structure inconsistencies inherent in the driver implementations.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on the fact that when network drivers do not properly pad frames, they leave behind data from previous packet transmissions or kernel memory regions within the network buffer space. This creates a scenario where an attacker can craft malicious packets that, when processed by the vulnerable driver, cause the system to transmit portions of previously processed data or kernel memory contents. The vulnerability operates at the data link layer of the OSI model, specifically affecting ethernet frame processing and transmission mechanisms. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as improper handling of buffer boundaries and falls under the broader category of information disclosure vulnerabilities. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication or local access, making it a remote information disclosure vulnerability that can be exploited over the network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially expose sensitive kernel memory contents, system configuration data, or even cryptographic keys and credentials that may have been present in memory at the time of packet processing. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform passive reconnaissance by analyzing the leaked information, potentially discovering system architecture details, memory layout patterns, or other sensitive data that could aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical flaw in driver security design where the assumption of clean memory boundaries is violated, creating opportunities for memory-based attacks and information leakage. This weakness affects multiple vendors and device types, making it a widespread concern that impacts network security across various operating systems and hardware platforms.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper frame padding mechanisms within network drivers and ensuring that all network interface card implementations properly handle frame boundaries and memory management. System administrators should prioritize updating network drivers to versions that address the padding issue and implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management in device drivers and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 for data from local system, where adversaries exploit memory access flaws to gather sensitive information. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous packet patterns or frame structures that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments of network infrastructure and driver updates form essential components of a comprehensive defense strategy against such memory-based information disclosure vulnerabilities.