CVE-2004-2409 in Samhain
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the sh_hash_compdata function for Samhain 1.8.9 through 2.0.1, when running in update mode ("-t update"), might allow attackers to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2409 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the Samhain host-based intrusion detection system. This flaw specifically affects versions 1.8.9 through 2.0.1 of the software and manifests when the system operates in update mode using the command line parameter "-t update". The buffer overflow occurs within the sh_hash_compdata function, which is responsible for processing and comparing hash values during system integrity checks. This function fails to properly validate input lengths before copying data into fixed-size buffers, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the hash comparison logic. When Samhain processes system files in update mode, it calculates hash values and stores them for future comparison. The sh_hash_compdata function does not adequately verify that incoming hash data conforms to expected size limitations, allowing an attacker to provide oversized input that exceeds the allocated buffer space. This classic buffer overflow scenario enables attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and injecting malicious code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of a security monitoring tool, meaning an attacker could exploit it to bypass the very protections the software is designed to provide.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of systems running affected versions of Samhain. An attacker who successfully exploits this buffer overflow could gain arbitrary code execution privileges on the host system, potentially escalating to full system compromise. This represents a significant concern for organizations relying on Samhain for integrity monitoring, as the attacker could manipulate the intrusion detection system itself to hide malicious activities or disable security controls. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges since it targets a legitimate function within the software's update process, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking persistent access to compromised systems.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of Samhain, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution. Additional defensive measures include input validation enforcement, address space layout randomization, and implementing proper memory management practices in the affected software components to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other security tools or applications.