CVE-2004-2571 in isoqlog
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in EnderUNIX isoqlog 2.1.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the (1) parseQmailFromBytesLine, (2) parseQmailToRemoteLine, (3) parseQmailToLocalLine, (4) parseSendmailFromBytesLine, (5) parseSendmailToLine, (6) parseEximFromBytesLine, and (7) parseEximToLine functions in Parser.c; allow local users to execute arbitrary code via the (8) lowercase and (9) check_syslog_date functions in Parser.c, and (10) unspecified functions in Dir.c; and allow unspecified attackers to execute arbitrary code via the (11) loadconfig and (12) removespaces functions in loadconfig.c, the (13) loadLang function in LangCfg.c, and (14) unspecified functions in Html.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2571 represents a critical buffer overflow issue affecting EnderUNIX isoqlog version 2.1.1, a log analysis tool commonly used for processing mail server logs. This vulnerability spans multiple functions within the software's core parsing modules, creating a significant attack surface that can be exploited by various threat actors. The affected functions are distributed across several source files including Parser.c, Dir.c, loadconfig.c, LangCfg.c, and Html.c, indicating a systemic design flaw in the input validation and memory management practices of the application. The buffer overflows occur when the software processes log data without proper bounds checking, allowing maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical exploitation of these buffer overflows leverages the fundamental principle of memory corruption vulnerabilities where attacker-controlled data exceeds the allocated buffer size, leading to memory corruption that can be manipulated to execute arbitrary code. The specific functions affected include parseQmailFromBytesLine, parseQmailToRemoteLine, parseQmailToLocalLine, parseSendmailFromBytesLine, parseSendmailToLine, parseEximFromBytesLine, and parseEximToLine which all process different types of mail log entries from various mail servers. These functions lack proper input validation and boundary checks, making them susceptible to stack-based buffer overflows when processing malformed log data. Additionally, the local execution vulnerability through lowercase and check_syslog_date functions demonstrates that the application's security model is fundamentally flawed, as it allows privilege escalation through local manipulation of system date formats. The unspecified functions in Dir.c, loadconfig.c, LangCfg.c, and Html.c further compound the risk by potentially allowing attackers to exploit memory corruption in configuration loading and language file processing routines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides remote attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable isoqlog installations, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects both remote and local attack scenarios, meaning that an attacker could exploit it from outside the network or leverage local privileges to escalate their access level. This dual attack vector significantly increases the exploitability and potential damage scope. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow conditions, both of which are common attack patterns in software security. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised system. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and persistent access to the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2571 require immediate action including patching the vulnerable isoqlog version to address the buffer overflow conditions in all identified functions. Organizations should implement proper input validation and bounds checking throughout the application's parsing routines, particularly in functions that process external log data. The fix should include implementing stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and other exploit mitigations to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security audits, as it demonstrates how inadequate memory management and input validation can create multiple attack vectors within a single application. Organizations should also implement monitoring and logging to detect potential exploitation attempts, as buffer overflow exploitation often generates detectable patterns in system behavior. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on memory management practices are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future software versions.