CVE-2004-1224 in BIND
Summary
by MITRE
off-by-one error in the mtr_curses_keyaction function for mtr 0.55 through 0.65 allows local users to hijack raw sockets as demonstrated using the "s" keybinding which leaves a buffer without a null terminator.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1224 represents a critical off-by-one error within the mtr network diagnostic tool version 0.55 through 0.65. This flaw exists specifically within the mtr_curses_keyaction function, which handles keyboard input processing in the curses-based user interface. The issue manifests when users interact with the tool through its terminal interface, particularly when utilizing the "s" keybinding that is designed to switch between different display modes. The off-by-one error occurs during buffer management operations where the function fails to properly null-terminate character buffers, creating a condition that can be exploited by local attackers to manipulate memory contents.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow conditions, though it manifests as a more subtle null termination issue that can lead to memory corruption. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates within a network diagnostic tool that typically runs with elevated privileges, especially when attempting to capture network traffic using raw sockets. When the "s" keybinding is pressed, the improperly managed buffer can cause the application to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing an attacker to manipulate the tool's behavior and gain unauthorized access to raw socket operations. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor buffer management errors can create significant security risks in network utilities that require direct system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables local users to hijack raw sockets that are essential for network monitoring and packet capture operations. Raw sockets provide direct access to network protocols and can be leveraged to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, network sniffing, or other malicious activities that would otherwise require more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The ability to manipulate socket operations through this buffer overflow condition means that attackers can potentially intercept, modify, or redirect network traffic passing through the system. This threat is particularly severe in environments where mtr is used for network troubleshooting and security monitoring, as the compromised tool could be used to hide malicious network activity while maintaining operational access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate code-level fix and broader system security considerations. The primary solution involves correcting the buffer management within the mtr_curses_keyaction function to ensure proper null termination of character buffers, which aligns with secure coding practices recommended by the Software Security Development Lifecycle. Organizations should immediately update to patched versions of mtr beyond 0.65 to eliminate this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should implement principle of least privilege controls, ensuring that mtr is not run with elevated privileges when possible, and that users who require network diagnostic capabilities are properly authenticated and authorized. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and buffer boundary checking in network utilities, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's techniques for privilege escalation and defense evasion. Regular security auditing of network diagnostic tools and maintaining up-to-date software versions remains critical for preventing exploitation of similar buffer-related vulnerabilities.