CVE-2005-2410 in NetworkManager
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the nm_info_handler function in Network Manager may allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in a Wireless Access Point identifier, which is not properly handled in a syslog call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2410 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the Network Manager component of various Linux distributions. This flaw exists in the nm_info_handler function where wireless access point identifiers are processed without proper validation or sanitization before being passed to syslog calls. The issue arises from the improper handling of user-supplied input that contains format string specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x, which can be exploited by remote attackers to manipulate the behavior of the logging function.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious wireless access point identifier containing format string specifiers that are then passed to the syslog function without proper formatting. This creates an opportunity for attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the Network Manager process. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-134 as "Use of Externally-Controlled Format String" which is a well-documented weakness in software development practices that directly relates to improper input validation and handling of user-supplied data.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to network security infrastructure as it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication or prior access to the system. The Network Manager service typically runs with elevated privileges to manage network connections, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access, install backdoors, or perform other malicious activities that compromise the entire network infrastructure. The impact extends beyond individual systems as compromised network managers can affect multiple network connections and potentially provide attackers with a foothold for broader network infiltration.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects wireless network management functionality where user input is commonly accepted from wireless access points. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of arbitrary code through format string vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign user input processing can become a critical security flaw when proper input validation mechanisms are not implemented. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual syslog activity as part of their defensive strategies.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of affected Network Manager versions, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied data, and configuring the Network Manager to restrict access to trusted networks only. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous syslog entries that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments of network management components to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Organizations should also implement principle of least privilege for network management services and consider disabling unnecessary wireless network management features when not required.