CVE-2004-1079 in ncpfs
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in (1) ncplogin and (2) ncpmap in nwclient.c for ncpfs 2.2.4, and possibly other versions, may allow local users to gain privileges via a long -T option.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1079 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting the ncpfs file system client utilities, specifically impacting ncplogin and ncpmap functions within the nwclient.c source file. This issue exists in ncpfs version 2.2.4 and potentially other versions, creating a significant security risk for systems utilizing Novell NetWare file services. The vulnerability manifests when local users provide an excessively long argument to the -T command line option, which triggers memory corruption in the affected applications.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow occurs through improper input validation within the nwclient.c implementation where the -T option parameter is processed without adequate bounds checking. When a malicious user supplies a buffer exceeding the allocated memory space for the target parameter, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and allowing privilege escalation. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, covering heap-based buffer overflow scenarios that can occur when dynamic memory allocation is improperly managed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as local users can leverage the buffer overflow to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The privilege escalation aspect is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to gain higher-level access rights than initially granted, potentially enabling them to access sensitive system resources, modify critical files, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. Attackers may exploit this weakness to bypass traditional security controls and escalate their access level within the network environment.
Systems running ncpfs 2.2.4 or affected versions are particularly vulnerable to exploitation through the specific attack vector involving the -T option parameter. The attack requires local system access but can be devastating in terms of privilege escalation potential. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation tactic, specifically targeting the technique of "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" where attackers leverage software vulnerabilities to gain elevated system access. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where legacy Novell NetWare file services are still operational.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate patching of affected ncpfs installations to the latest available versions that contain proper input validation and buffer management fixes. System administrators should also implement restrictive file permissions on the affected utilities to limit local access, though this does not fully address the privilege escalation risk. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious command line arguments, particularly those with unusually long parameter values, can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in system utilities, particularly those handling user-provided parameters in security-critical applications.