CVE-2004-2269 in Passive Asset Detection System
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in pads.c in Passive Asset Detection System (Pads) might allow local users to execute arbitrary code via a long report file name argument. NOTE: since Pads is not normally installed setuid, this may not be a vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2269 represents a stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Passive Asset Detection System (Pads) software, specifically in the pads.c source file. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the program stack. The flaw manifests when processing report file name arguments, creating an opportunity for malicious input to exceed the allocated buffer space and potentially overwrite critical program memory segments including return addresses and stack canaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires local user access and involves crafting a maliciously long report file name argument that exceeds the predetermined buffer size allocated for storing file names within the Pads application. When the application processes this oversized argument, the excess data overflows into adjacent stack memory, potentially corrupting the program's execution flow. The stack-based nature of this overflow means that the attacker can manipulate the return address of the function containing the vulnerable buffer, redirecting program execution to arbitrary code locations within the memory space. This type of attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting local privilege escalation through code injection mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a potential pathway for privilege escalation within the system. While the initial analysis notes that Pads is not normally installed setuid, making the attack vector less severe, the vulnerability still presents significant risks in environments where the application might be running with elevated privileges or where local users have the ability to influence the application's execution context. The buffer overflow could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to system resources, potentially leading to complete system compromise if the application is running with sufficient privileges to access sensitive system components. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader system hardening practices and privilege management policies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2269 should focus on both immediate code-level fixes and broader system security enhancements. The primary recommendation involves implementing proper input validation and bounds checking within the pads.c source code to prevent buffer overflows from occurring in the first place. This includes using safer string handling functions and implementing explicit length checks before copying user-supplied data into fixed-size buffers. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that the Pads application is not running with unnecessary privileges and should implement proper access controls to limit local user capabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of memory safety practices and the need for regular security audits of legacy systems, particularly those that handle user input without proper sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing address space layout randomization and stack canary protections as additional layers of defense against similar buffer overflow exploitation techniques.