CVE-2003-1115 in Succession Communication Server 2000
Summary
by MITRE
The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) implementation in Nortel Networks Succession Communication Server 2000, when using SIP-T, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via crafted INVITE messages, as demonstrated by the OUSPG PROTOS c07-sip test suite.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1115 represents a critical security flaw in the Session Initiation Protocol implementation within Nortel Networks Succession Communication Server 2000, specifically when operating in SIP-T mode. This issue exposes the underlying communication infrastructure to remote exploitation through carefully crafted INVITE messages that can trigger both denial of service conditions and potential arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the foundational signaling protocol used for establishing, modifying, and terminating real-time sessions including voice, video, and messaging communications.
The technical flaw manifests through improper input validation and handling within the SIP parser of the affected Nortel system. When processing maliciously formatted INVITE messages, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the incoming data, leading to buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions that can be exploited by remote attackers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more broadly aligns with CWE-79, representing cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that can be leveraged for code execution. The attack vector operates through the standard SIP protocol communication channels, making it accessible to any attacker with network access to the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the entire communication infrastructure. A successful exploitation can result in complete system crashes, requiring manual intervention and system restarts that can disrupt critical business communications. The potential for arbitrary code execution adds another dimension of risk, as attackers could gain unauthorized access to the system and potentially escalate privileges to achieve full system compromise. Organizations relying on this communication platform for mission-critical operations face significant risk of service interruption and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1115 should prioritize immediate implementation of network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to unauthorized users. The most effective approach involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that address the specific buffer overflow conditions in the SIP implementation. Network administrators should also implement intrusion detection systems capable of identifying and blocking suspicious SIP traffic patterns, particularly those matching the OUSPG PROTOS c07-sip test suite signatures. Additionally, implementing proper input validation mechanisms at network boundaries and configuring firewalls to restrict SIP traffic to authorized endpoints can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scans to identify similar weaknesses in their communication infrastructure, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls in telephony systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1210, which covers exploitation of remote services, and T1059, representing command and control through application layer protocols.