CVE-2004-1214 in Kreed
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in Kreed 1.05 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format specifiers in (1) a nickname or (2) message text.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1214 represents a critical format string flaw affecting Kreed versions 1.05 and earlier, which enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through carefully crafted input data. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of software security flaws that arise from improper handling of user-supplied data in format string functions. The vulnerability specifically impacts two distinct input vectors within the Kreed application, namely nickname fields and message text inputs, creating multiple attack surfaces for potential exploitation.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation and handling of format specifiers within the application's string processing functions. When Kreed processes user-provided nicknames or message text, it likely employs functions such as printf, sprintf, or similar format string handlers without adequate sanitization of input data. This allows attackers to inject format specifiers that can manipulate the program's execution flow, potentially leading to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings from untrusted sources, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that enables code injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with significant control over the affected system. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious nickname or message text inputs containing format specifiers that can overwrite memory locations, manipulate program execution, or even inject shellcode. This type of attack directly violates the principle of least privilege and can result in complete system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly innocuous user input fields in chat applications can become attack vectors for sophisticated exploitation techniques, particularly when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied data before processing.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that Kreed is a chat application where users regularly interact through nicknames and message text. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through simple network-based attacks without requiring special privileges or complex setup. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious input strings that contain format specifiers such as %x, %s, or %n that can be used to read from or write to memory locations, potentially leading to stack corruption or controlled code execution. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1214 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the vendor, as well as implementing defensive measures to prevent exploitation. Organizations should ensure that all affected versions of Kreed are updated to versions that properly validate and sanitize user input before processing. Input validation should include strict filtering of format specifiers, length limitations on user inputs, and proper encoding of special characters. Additionally, implementing network-level protections such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and application firewalls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security testing, particularly for applications that process user input in potentially unsafe contexts, as outlined in industry standards for secure software development practices.