CVE-2003-0368 in GGSN
Summary
by MITRE
Nokia Gateway GPRS support node (GGSN) allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (kernel panic) via a malformed IP packet with a 0xFF TCP option.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0368 affects Nokia Gateway GPRS support node devices, specifically targeting the GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node) component within mobile network infrastructure. This critical flaw exists in the packet processing mechanisms of these network devices that handle GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) traffic for mobile operators. The vulnerability represents a significant security risk as it allows unauthorized remote attackers to disrupt network services by exploiting a specific weakness in the TCP/IP stack implementation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the transmission of malformed IP packets containing a TCP option with a value of 0xFF. This particular TCP option value falls outside the standard range of valid TCP options as defined in RFC 793 and subsequent TCP specifications, making it an invalid or malformed option. When the vulnerable GGSN device processes this malformed packet, the kernel handling the network traffic becomes susceptible to a kernel panic condition. This kernel panic represents a critical system failure that results in the complete cessation of network services on the affected device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire mobile network segments. When a GGSN device experiences a kernel panic, it becomes completely unresponsive and requires manual intervention or system reboot to restore functionality. This disruption affects all mobile data services passing through that specific GGSN node, potentially impacting thousands of mobile subscribers within the affected network area. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or network credentials, making it particularly dangerous for mobile network operators who manage extensive distributed infrastructure.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-122, which describes buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation in network protocol implementations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a Denial of Service attack technique under the T1499.004 sub-technique, specifically targeting network infrastructure components. The vulnerability also aligns with the broader category of protocol-level attacks that exploit implementation flaws in network stack components, which are commonly categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK T1210 technique for exploitation of remote services.
Network operators and security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including packet filtering rules that block malformed TCP options with 0xFF values, deployment of intrusion detection systems with signature-based detection capabilities, and network segmentation to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Additionally, vendors should prioritize firmware updates that address the kernel panic condition through proper input validation and robust error handling mechanisms. The vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough security testing for network infrastructure components and demonstrates why proper protocol implementation validation is critical for maintaining network availability and service continuity in telecommunications environments.