CVE-2004-1127 in Direct Connect Peer-to-peer Client
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Open Dc Hub 0.7.14 allows remote attackers, with administrator privileges, to execute arbitrary code via a long RedirectAll command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1127 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Open Dc Hub version 0.7.14 that exposes the system to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of the RedirectAll command, which is a administrative function designed to redirect users within the Direct Connect network protocol. The buffer overflow occurs when the application fails to properly validate the length of input data provided through the RedirectAll command, allowing an attacker with administrative credentials to craft malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer space and overflows into adjacent memory regions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the Open Dc Hub software architecture. When processing the RedirectAll command, the application allocates a fixed-size buffer to store the command parameters without implementing proper bounds checking or length validation. This fundamental flaw in the software design creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can inject malicious code into the overflowed memory space, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the administrative account. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only administrative access to exploit, which significantly reduces the attack surface compared to vulnerabilities requiring user interaction or privilege escalation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses substantial risk to Direct Connect hub administrators who may unknowingly execute malicious commands through compromised administrative sessions. The buffer overflow can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to gain full control over the affected server, potentially leading to data exfiltration, service disruption, or use as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability also impacts the integrity and availability of the Direct Connect network ecosystem, as compromised hubs can be used to distribute malicious content or disrupt legitimate user communications.
The exploitation of CVE-2004-1127 aligns with several attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on privilege escalation and remote code execution techniques. This vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching the software to version 0.7.15 or later, implementing network segmentation to limit administrative access, and monitoring for suspicious administrative command usage. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and proper bounds checking in network protocol implementations, as recommended by secure coding standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and the CERT Secure Coding Standards. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for anomalous administrative command patterns and maintain regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network services.