CVE-2003-0729 in TftpdNT
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Tellurian TftpdNT 1.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a TFTP request with a long filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0729 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in Tellurian TftpdNT version 1.8, a TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) server implementation. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation within the TFTP request processing mechanism, specifically when handling filename parameters in TFTP requests. The flaw exists in the server's handling of file transfer operations where the application fails to properly bounds-check the length of filenames provided in TFTP requests, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. In this case, the buffer overflow occurs when a TFTP client sends a request containing an excessively long filename parameter that exceeds the allocated buffer space within the Tellurian TftpdNT server process. The overflow can overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures, enabling attackers to manipulate the program execution flow and inject malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1195.001 for "Supply Chain Compromise" and T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" when exploited through command execution channels, though the primary attack vector is direct code execution through memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for systems running the vulnerable TftpdNT server. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain full control over the affected system, potentially establishing persistent backdoors, exfiltrating sensitive data, or using the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects any system running Tellurian TftpdNT 1.8, which was commonly deployed in enterprise environments for file transfer operations, making it a significant risk for organizations with exposed TFTP services. The attack surface is broad since TFTP is often used for network booting, firmware updates, and other automated file transfer processes where systems may be exposed to untrusted network traffic.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the Tellurian TftpdNT software to version 1.9 or later, which contains the necessary buffer overflow protections and input validation fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to TFTP services, disable TFTP services when not required, and monitor network traffic for suspicious TFTP requests containing unusually long filenames. Network-based intrusion detection systems can be configured to detect and alert on TFTP requests with suspiciously long parameters. Additionally, implementing firewall rules to restrict TFTP traffic to trusted networks only, and considering the use of more secure alternatives such as SFTP or FTPS for file transfer operations, can significantly reduce the risk exposure. System administrators should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other instances of the vulnerable software and ensure proper access controls are implemented to minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.