CVE-2004-0011 in fsp
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in fsp before 2.81.b18 allows remote users to execute arbitrary code.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0011 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the File Sharing Protocol (fsp) software suite prior to version 2.81.b18. This vulnerability resides in the network protocol implementation responsible for file sharing operations and exposes a fundamental memory management weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers. The flaw manifests when the fsp service processes incoming network requests containing specially crafted data that exceeds the allocated buffer space, leading to memory corruption and potential code execution.
This buffer overflow vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it operates over network protocols, enabling remote code execution without requiring local system access. The vulnerability affects the fsp service daemon that handles file sharing communications, making it accessible to any remote user who can establish a connection to the affected service port.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain arbitrary code execution privileges on the affected system, potentially leading to full system control, data exfiltration, or use as a foothold for further attacks. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication, making it particularly attractive to threat actors. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 for exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services and T1059 for executing commands through compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0011 require immediate patching of affected fsp installations to version 2.81.b18 or later, which contains the necessary buffer overflow protections and input validation measures. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to fsp service ports, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems with signature-based detection for known exploit patterns can help identify attempts to leverage this vulnerability. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary file sharing services when they are not actively required, reducing the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in network services, emphasizing that buffer overflow protections must be implemented at multiple levels including application code, network protocols, and system-level defenses. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected fsp software and ensure complete remediation across their network infrastructure.