CVE-2003-0472 in IRIX
Summary
by MITRE
The IPv6 capability in IRIX 6.5.19 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (hang) in inetd via port scanning.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0472 represents a significant denial of service weakness in the IRIX operating system version 6.5.19 that specifically affects IPv6 implementation within the inetd service. This flaw manifests when remote attackers exploit the IPv6 capabilities of the system through port scanning activities, causing the inetd daemon to hang and effectively rendering network services unavailable to legitimate users. The issue stems from inadequate handling of IPv6 connections within the Internet daemon framework, creating a pathway for malicious actors to disrupt system availability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability resides in the improper processing of IPv6 socket connections by the inetd service in IRIX 6.5.19. When port scanning activities target IPv6-enabled services, the inetd daemon fails to properly manage the connection states, leading to a system hang condition that requires manual intervention to resolve. This represents a classic example of insufficient input validation and resource management within network services, where the system becomes unresponsive due to malformed or unexpected IPv6 connection attempts. The vulnerability operates at the protocol level and demonstrates how IPv6 implementation flaws can directly impact system stability and availability.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a substantial risk for systems running IRIX 6.5.19 with IPv6 capabilities enabled. Network administrators face the potential for complete service disruption when attackers employ port scanning techniques against IPv6 addresses, as the entire inetd service becomes unresponsive and requires system reboot or manual restart procedures. The attack vector is relatively simple to execute, requiring only basic port scanning tools to trigger the denial of service condition, making it particularly dangerous in environments where system uptime is critical. This vulnerability effectively undermines the reliability of network services and can be exploited to create persistent availability issues.
The security implications extend beyond simple service disruption as this vulnerability represents a weakness in the fundamental network service architecture of the operating system. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability falls under CWE-119 which deals with insufficient resource management, specifically in how the system handles IPv6 connection states within the inetd framework. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, as attackers can leverage this weakness to gain control over system availability without requiring elevated privileges. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where IPv6 migration is underway and legacy IRIX systems remain operational.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0472 should focus on immediate patching of IRIX systems to the latest available updates that address IPv6 handling in inetd. Network administrators should consider disabling IPv6 capabilities on systems that do not require them, particularly in environments where the vulnerability can be exploited through port scanning. Implementing network access controls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and prevent port scanning activities targeting IPv6 addresses. Additionally, system monitoring should be enhanced to detect inetd service hangs and automatic restart procedures should be implemented to minimize service disruption. Organizations should also consider implementing IPv6 firewall rules that limit port scanning activities and monitor for unusual connection patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.