CVE-2004-2685 in CCProxy
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in YoungZSoft CCProxy 6.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long address in a ping (p) command to the Telnet proxy service, a different vector than CVE-2004-2416.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2685 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within YoungZSoft CCProxy version 6.2 and earlier implementations. This security weakness specifically targets the Telnet proxy service component of the software, creating a pathway for remote attackers to gain unauthorized execution privileges on affected systems. The vulnerability manifests when the proxy service processes a malformed ping command containing an excessively long address parameter, which exceeds the allocated buffer space and consequently triggers memory corruption. This particular flaw operates through a distinct attack vector compared to CVE-2004-2416, which affects different service components within the same software ecosystem.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow vulnerability follows a classic pattern where attackers craft malicious input payloads that exceed the predetermined buffer limits within the Telnet proxy service. When the CCProxy software receives a ping command with an address parameter longer than the allocated memory space, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially overwriting critical program execution structures including return addresses and function pointers. This memory corruption enables attackers to manipulate the program flow and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service process, typically running with elevated system permissions. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack memory locations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing YoungZSoft CCProxy versions 6.2 or earlier in their network infrastructure. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can potentially compromise systems without requiring local access or physical presence, making the attack surface particularly concerning for enterprise environments. The Telnet proxy service, which typically operates on well-known ports, becomes a prime target for automated scanning and exploitation attempts. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or use the compromised proxy as a pivot point for further network reconnaissance and lateral movement activities. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond immediate system compromise as it can facilitate broader network infiltration and data exfiltration operations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability by upgrading to YoungZSoft CCProxy versions that contain patches for this buffer overflow condition. The recommended approach involves applying the vendor-provided security updates that include proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms for the ping command processing functionality. Network segmentation strategies should be employed to limit exposure of the Telnet proxy service to trusted networks only, while implementing firewall rules to restrict access to the specific ports used by the service. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous ping command patterns and unusual network traffic originating from the affected proxy service. System administrators should also consider disabling the Telnet proxy service entirely if it is not essential for business operations, as this eliminates the attack surface associated with the vulnerable component. The mitigation strategy aligns with defensive techniques recommended in the ATT&CK framework under the T1071.004 sub-technique for application layer protocol usage, where monitoring and controlling proxy service communications becomes critical for maintaining network security posture.