CVE-2005-0768 in GoodTech Telnet Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the administration web server for GoodTech Telnet Server 4.0 and 5.0, and possibly all versions before 5.0.7, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string to port 2380.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0768 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the administration web server component of GoodTech Telnet Server versions 4.0 and 5.0, with potential impact extending to all prior versions before 5.0.7. This security weakness resides in the server's handling of incoming data on port 2380, which serves as the designated administrative interface for managing the telnet server configuration. The buffer overflow occurs when the system receives a specially crafted long string of data through this port, exceeding the allocated memory buffer size and causing adjacent memory to be overwritten. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate program execution flow by overwriting return addresses and function pointers in the call stack.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for systems exposed to untrusted networks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending maliciously formatted data to port 2380, which triggers the buffer overflow condition and potentially allows them to inject and execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the running service. The vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries leverage buffer overflow exploits to gain unauthorized access and control over target systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that telnet servers are often deployed in environments where administrative access is required, and the default configuration may expose port 2380 to external networks without proper firewall restrictions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 5.0.7 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to prevent buffer overflow conditions in the administration web server component. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to restrict access to port 2380, ensuring that only trusted administrative hosts can reach this interface. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and bounds checking in the application code would prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future, aligning with secure coding practices recommended by the Software Engineering Institute's CERT Secure Coding Standards. System administrators should also deploy intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious traffic patterns targeting port 2380 and consider disabling the administration web server functionality if it is not actively required for operational purposes, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries.