CVE-2005-0353 in Sentinel License Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Sentinel LM (Lservnt) service in the Sentinel License Manager 7.2.0.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by sending a large amount of data to UDP port 5093.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0353 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Sentinel License Manager 7.2.0.2 software, specifically affecting the Lservnt service component. This issue manifests as a classic stack-based buffer overflow that occurs when the service processes incoming data through UDP port 5093, which serves as the designated communication channel for license management operations. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the service's data handling routines, allowing malicious actors to exploit this weakness through carefully crafted network packets.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern where the Sentinel LM service fails to properly validate the length of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. When an attacker sends a large amount of data to UDP port 5093, the service attempts to store this data in memory without adequate size constraints, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption typically affects the stack frame's return address or other critical control data, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes stack-based buffer overflows, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on systems running the affected Sentinel License Manager software. This remote code execution vulnerability allows attackers to gain full control over the affected system, potentially enabling them to install backdoors, modify license files, or escalate privileges to system-level access. The attack vector through UDP port 5093 is particularly concerning because it does not require authentication, making the vulnerability accessible to anyone who can reach the target system on this specific port. Organizations using this licensing software face significant risk, as the vulnerability could be exploited by attackers in network reconnaissance phases or as part of broader compromise campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the Sentinel License Manager software to the latest available version that addresses this specific buffer overflow flaw. System administrators should implement network segmentation to restrict access to UDP port 5093, limiting exposure to only trusted networks and systems that require legitimate license management communications. Network firewalls should be configured to block incoming traffic on UDP port 5093 from untrusted sources, while intrusion detection systems should be tuned to monitor for unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions of the Sentinel License Manager software and ensure proper network monitoring is in place to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation efforts should also include regular security updates and patch management procedures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in other software components.