CVE-2004-0408 in ident2
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the child_service function in the ident2 ident daemon allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0408 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the ident2 ident daemon software that operates on network systems. This daemon service is responsible for providing identification information about network connections, typically used for authentication and logging purposes in network environments. The specific vulnerability resides in the child_service function where improper input validation and memory handling creates an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the ident2 daemon processes incoming connection requests through the child_service function. When client data is received, the daemon fails to properly validate the length of input parameters before copying them into fixed-size memory buffers. This classic programming error allows an attacker to overflow the allocated buffer space and overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses and control data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables remote code execution without requiring any authentication or prior access to the system, making it an attractive target for malicious actors seeking to compromise network infrastructure.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for systems running the ident2 daemon service. Network administrators who have not patched this vulnerability face potential full system compromise, as attackers can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the daemon process. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates over standard network protocols and can be exploited from any remote location without requiring physical access or legitimate credentials. This makes the vulnerability especially dangerous in multi-tenant environments or systems where network exposure is unavoidable, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent backdoors or escalate privileges to gain administrative control over affected systems.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." Security professionals should consider implementing immediate mitigations including patching the affected daemon software to the latest version that addresses the buffer overflow condition. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the ident service port, typically TCP 113, while monitoring for suspicious connection patterns or exploitation attempts. Additionally, system hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary services, implementing intrusion detection systems, and conducting regular security assessments can help reduce the attack surface and prevent successful exploitation of this vulnerability across enterprise networks.