CVE-2003-0510 in ezbounce
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in ezbounce 1.0 through 1.50 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the "sessions" command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0510 represents a critical format string flaw in ezbounce versions 1.0 through 1.50 that enables remote code execution through the sessions command. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-134 category, which specifically addresses format string vulnerabilities where user-supplied input is directly used in printf-style functions without proper sanitization. The flaw exists in the application's handling of session data, where attacker-controlled input is processed through format string functions, creating a pathway for malicious code injection. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its remote exploitability, meaning attackers can leverage this weakness from outside the local network without requiring physical access or prior authentication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the sessions command processing logic. When ezbounce receives a session command with user-supplied data, it fails to properly escape or sanitize the input before passing it to format string functions such as printf, sprintf, or fprintf. This allows attackers to inject format specifiers that can manipulate the program's execution flow, potentially leading to stack smashing, information disclosure, or direct code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application level, bypassing many traditional network security controls and operating system protections.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to systems running affected versions of ezbounce, as it provides attackers with a straightforward path to gain unauthorized access and execute arbitrary commands on the target system. The exploitability of this flaw means that remote attackers can potentially compromise entire networks if the vulnerable service is exposed to the internet. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems, as attackers can read sensitive memory locations, overwrite critical program variables, or inject malicious payloads that persist across system reboots. This type of vulnerability is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for command and script execution, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0510 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of ezbounce that properly handle user input in format string contexts, ensuring that all user-supplied data is escaped or converted to safe formats before processing. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while firewall rules should restrict access to the affected service to trusted networks only. Additionally, implementing proper logging and monitoring for unusual session command usage can help detect exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough code review to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure that all printf-style functions properly validate their format strings. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.