CVE-2003-0103 in 6210 Handset
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in Nokia 6210 handset allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash, lockup, or restart) via a Multi-Part vCard with fields containing a large number of format string specifiers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0103 represents a critical format string flaw discovered in the Nokia 6210 mobile handset operating system. This vulnerability resides in the vCard parsing functionality of the device's software implementation, where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize input data when processing contact information files. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the device encounters a malformed vCard containing multiple consecutive format string specifiers within its field values. This flaw enables malicious actors to craft specially constructed vCard files that exploit the underlying software implementation's improper handling of format string arguments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-134, which categorizes format string vulnerabilities as weaknesses in software that occurs when format strings are constructed using untrusted input without proper validation. In the context of mobile devices, this vulnerability operates at the application layer where user data is processed and interpreted by the device's communication protocols. The Nokia 6210's implementation of vCard parsing does not perform adequate input sanitization, allowing attackers to inject format specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x directly into the vCard field values. When the device attempts to process these malformed entries, the system's printf-like functions interpret these specifiers as actual format directives rather than literal text, leading to unpredictable behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially compromise the entire device functionality. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness by transmitting specially crafted vCard files through various communication channels including sms, email, or wireless data transfer protocols. Upon receipt and processing of these malicious vCards, the device experiences system instability that manifests as application crashes, complete device lockups, or forced restarts. The severity classification of this vulnerability as a denial of service attack means that legitimate users may be unable to access their device functionality for extended periods, effectively rendering the mobile device unusable until manual intervention or power cycling occurs. The vulnerability's remote exploitability eliminates the need for physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous in environments where mobile devices are critical for communication.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a multi-layered approach focusing on both immediate defensive measures and long-term system hardening. Device manufacturers should implement proper input validation and sanitization routines within their vCard processing modules to prevent format string specifiers from being interpreted as actual format directives. The implementation should follow secure coding practices that align with the principles outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Guidelines and the CERT Secure Coding Standards. Network administrators and security professionals should consider implementing content filtering mechanisms at network boundaries to prevent the transmission of potentially malicious vCard files. Additionally, mobile device management solutions should be configured to disable automatic vCard processing or implement strict validation rules for incoming contact data. The vulnerability's exploitation can be prevented through firmware updates that address the underlying format string handling mechanism, and users should be advised to avoid accepting vCard files from untrusted sources. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training to educate users about the risks associated with accepting contact information from unknown parties, as this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign data processing functions can be exploited for malicious purposes. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched implementations to ensure that legitimate vCard functionality remains intact while preventing the exploitation vectors identified in the vulnerability assessment.