CVE-2004-1977 in NBX IP VOIP NetSet Configuration Manager
Summary
by MITRE
3com NBX IP VOIP NetSet Configuration Manager allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a Nessus scan in safeChecks mode.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1977 affects the 3com NBX IP VOIP NetSet Configuration Manager, a network management tool used for configuring and managing 3com's IP voice over internet protocol systems. This particular flaw manifests when the system processes specific network scanning activities, particularly those conducted by Nessus security scanner operating in safeChecks mode. The vulnerability represents a significant concern for network administrators as it demonstrates how legitimate security assessment tools can inadvertently trigger system instability in network infrastructure components.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the NetSet Configuration Manager's insufficient input validation and error handling capabilities when processing network scan requests. When Nessus performs its safeChecks mode scanning, it sends specific packet sequences and probe patterns that the 3com NBX system fails to properly interpret or handle gracefully. The system's response to these malformed or unexpected network inputs results in a complete system crash or denial of service condition, effectively rendering the voice communication infrastructure unavailable to legitimate users. This behavior aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness that can lead to system instability and availability issues.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it creates a dangerous scenario where network security assessments can inadvertently compromise network availability. Organizations relying on 3com NBX systems for critical voice communications face potential business disruption when security teams conduct routine vulnerability scanning activities. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where security scanning is automated or performed regularly, as the system crash can occur without warning. This type of vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of understanding how security tools interact with network infrastructure components, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's methodology for understanding system behavior during reconnaissance activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include implementing network segmentation to isolate the 3com NBX systems from routine security scanning activities, configuring the Nessus scanner to avoid specific ports or protocols used by the NetSet Configuration Manager, and applying firmware updates or patches provided by 3com to address the input validation deficiencies. Network administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on unusual system behavior patterns that might indicate similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough testing of security assessment tools in isolated environments before deploying them against critical infrastructure to prevent unintended service disruptions. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for comprehensive testing and validation of security tools in enterprise environments, particularly when dealing with specialized network infrastructure components that may not handle standard security scanning activities gracefully.