CVE-2005-1812 in TFTP Server 2000
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in FutureSoft TFTP Server Evaluation Version 1.0.0.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long (1) filename or (2) transfer mode string in a Read Request (RRQ) or Write Request (WRQ) packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1812 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in FutureSoft TFTP Server Evaluation Version 1.0.0.1 that exposes remote attackers to arbitrary code execution capabilities. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the server's handling of Trivial File Transfer Protocol requests, specifically affecting both Read Request (RRQ) and Write Request (WRQ) packet processing. The flaw manifests when the server receives malformed filename or transfer mode strings that exceed predetermined buffer limits, creating exploitable conditions in the application's memory management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The attack vector involves sending specially crafted TFTP packets containing excessively long filename or transfer mode parameters that cause the server to write beyond allocated buffer boundaries. This overflow can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack variables, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security risks to organizations relying on the FutureSoft TFTP server for file transfer operations. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness without authentication requirements, potentially gaining full system control over affected servers. The vulnerability affects the server's core functionality as it operates during normal file transfer operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through legitimate TFTP client interactions. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that TFTP servers are commonly deployed in network infrastructure environments where they may be accessible to untrusted users or networks.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this represents a technique for privilege escalation and command execution through network service exploitation. Organizations using this specific TFTP server version face risks of unauthorized file access, data exfiltration, and potential network compromise. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the server's evaluation status, which often indicates limited security testing and validation in production environments. Mitigation strategies include immediate deployment of vendor patches, network segmentation to restrict TFTP server access, and implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious TFTP traffic patterns. Additionally, organizations should consider migrating to more robust and actively maintained TFTP server implementations that have undergone comprehensive security auditing and validation processes.