CVE-2004-1282 in LinPopUp
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the strexpand function in string.c for LinPopUp 1.2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted message that is not properly handled during a Reply operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1282 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the LinPopUp 1.2.0 messaging application that specifically affects the strexpand function located in the string.c source file. This issue arises during the processing of Reply operations when the application fails to properly validate or handle crafted message payloads, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overflow allocated memory buffers. The flaw exists at the intersection of improper input validation and memory management practices, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the application's execution flow through carefully constructed input sequences that exceed buffer boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition that occurs when the strexpand function processes string expansion operations without adequate bounds checking. When a remote attacker sends a specially crafted message containing excessive data during a Reply operation, the function fails to verify that the expanded string will fit within pre-allocated memory buffers, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 which categorizes stack-based buffer overflow conditions and represents a direct threat to application stability and system security. The flaw operates under the principle that untrusted input data is not properly sanitized before being processed by functions that perform string manipulations, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1282 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass full system compromise potential when exploited successfully. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the LinPopUp service, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects systems running LinPopUp 1.2.0 where the application is configured to receive and process incoming messages through network protocols, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application operates as a server or gateway for communication services. This type of vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which describes the use of command and scripting interpreters to execute malicious code, as successful exploitation would likely involve injecting and executing shellcode within the application's memory space.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the LinPopUp application to version 1.2.1 or later where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and memory boundary checks. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable LinPopUp instances to untrusted networks, while also monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix typically involves implementing bounds checking in the strexpand function to ensure that string expansion operations do not exceed allocated buffer sizes, combined with proper memory management practices that prevent buffer overflows. Additionally, deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed message patterns and implementing application whitelisting controls can provide layered defense against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary Reply functionality or implementing strict input validation at network boundaries to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in networked applications, particularly those handling untrusted data from remote sources.