CVE-2004-0791 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple TCP/IP and ICMP implementations allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (network throughput reduction for TCP connections) via a blind throughput-reduction attack using spoofed Source Quench packets, aka the "ICMP Source Quench attack." NOTE: CVE-2004-0790, CVE-2004-0791, and CVE-2004-1060 have been SPLIT based on different attacks; CVE-2005-0065, CVE-2005-0066, CVE-2005-0067, and CVE-2005-0068 are related identifiers that are SPLIT based on the underlying vulnerability. While CVE normally SPLITs based on vulnerability, the attack-based identifiers exist due to the variety and number of affected implementations and solutions that address the attacks instead of the underlying vulnerabilities.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0791 represents a significant weakness in network protocol implementations that enables remote attackers to perform denial of service attacks through sophisticated manipulation of TCP and ICMP traffic. This specific vulnerability operates through what is known as the ICMP Source Quench attack, which exploits fundamental behaviors in how network devices process and respond to certain types of Internet Control Message Protocol messages. The attack specifically targets implementations where systems respond to network congestion by sending Source Quench messages, which are designed to inform senders to reduce their transmission rate. However, when these messages are spoofed by attackers, they can be used to manipulate network behavior in ways that severely impact throughput performance.
The technical flaw underlying this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of ICMP Source Quench messages within TCP/IP implementations across various operating systems and network devices. When a network device receives a spoofed Source Quench packet, it triggers an unintended response that causes the device to reduce its transmission rate or alter its network behavior in a manner that degrades overall network performance. This occurs because legitimate network protocols were designed with the assumption that Source Quench messages would only be sent from legitimate network paths, but attackers can easily forge these messages to appear as if they originate from trusted sources. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-209, which deals with improper handling of ICMP messages, and specifically relates to the improper handling of network control messages in protocol implementations. This flaw demonstrates how network protocols can be manipulated to cause performance degradation even when the underlying network infrastructure appears to function correctly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple network disruption, as it can significantly reduce network throughput for TCP connections across affected systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness to systematically decrease network performance by sending spoofed Source Quench packets that cause legitimate network devices to reduce their transmission rates. This type of attack can be particularly devastating in environments where network performance is critical, such as enterprise networks, data centers, or any infrastructure where maintaining consistent network throughput is essential for business operations. The attack operates as a blind throughput-reduction mechanism, meaning that attackers can perform the attack without needing to establish direct connections with target systems, making it difficult to detect and defend against. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1498.001, which covers network denial of service attacks, and demonstrates how attackers can leverage protocol weaknesses to achieve their objectives.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a multi-layered approach that addresses both the immediate threat and underlying protocol design issues. Network administrators should implement proper ICMP filtering and access control lists to prevent the acceptance of spoofed Source Quench messages, particularly at network boundaries and in critical infrastructure segments. The most effective defense involves disabling or heavily restricting the processing of ICMP Source Quench messages in network implementations, as these messages are rarely needed in modern network environments where congestion control is handled at the transport layer. Security professionals should also consider implementing rate limiting mechanisms and monitoring for unusual patterns of ICMP traffic that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, network segmentation and the deployment of intrusion detection systems can help identify and respond to such attacks before they cause significant damage. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and demonstrates why proper network protocol implementation and configuration are critical for maintaining network resilience against sophisticated attacks. Organizations should also ensure that their network devices and operating systems are properly updated with patches that address the underlying TCP/IP implementation flaws that make this attack possible.