CVE-2005-0419 in 3CServer
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple heap-based buffer overflows in 3Com 3CServer allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via long FTP commands, as demonstrated using the STAT command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0419 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the 3Com 3CServer software that affects the File Transfer Protocol implementation. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the server processes long FTP commands, particularly the STAT command, which is used to retrieve directory listings or status information from the FTP server. The flaw exists in how the software handles input validation for FTP command parameters, creating an opportunity for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations in the heap memory space. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, which is a common type of memory corruption vulnerability that occurs when more data is written to a buffer located on the heap than the buffer can accommodate. This particular implementation flaw allows for remote code execution when authenticated users send specially crafted long FTP commands to the server, bypassing normal input sanitization mechanisms that should prevent such buffer overflows from occurring.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the 3CServer process. This remote code execution capability can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or compromise the entire network infrastructure that relies on the vulnerable FTP server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access to exploit, meaning that an attacker who has obtained valid credentials for the FTP service can leverage this flaw to gain complete control over the server. The attack vector involves sending a specially crafted STAT command with an excessive number of characters, which causes the heap memory allocation to overflow and corrupt adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious payloads through the compromised FTP service.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the 3Com 3CServer software to address the buffer overflow conditions in the FTP implementation. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of FTP services to untrusted networks, while also applying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious FTP command patterns. The implementation of input validation controls and proper bounds checking for all FTP command parameters would prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging for FTP server activities, particularly around command execution and memory allocation patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. According to industry best practices, this vulnerability should be prioritized for immediate remediation as it represents a high-severity risk that could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management and input validation in network services, as highlighted in the OWASP Top 10 2021 under the category of injection vulnerabilities, which includes buffer overflows as a primary concern. Organizations should also review their overall FTP server configurations and implement principle of least privilege access controls to minimize the potential impact if such vulnerabilities are exploited in other services or applications.