CVE-2005-2425 in FileShare
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Ares FileShare 1.1 allows remote attackers or local users to execute arbitrary code via a (1) long history parameter in the configuration file (ares.conf) or (2) long search string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2425 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Ares FileShare version 1.1 that exposes both remote and local attack vectors for code execution. This vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of user-supplied input through configuration file parameters and search functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise system integrity. The flaw manifests when the software processes excessively long strings in either the history parameter within the ares.conf configuration file or when processing search queries exceeding safe buffer boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the Ares FileShare application's memory management routines. When the software encounters a history parameter exceeding allocated buffer space or processes an overly long search string, the stack memory layout becomes corrupted through buffer overflow conditions. This memory corruption allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack variables, return addresses, and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application process. The vulnerability's classification as stack-based indicates that the overflow occurs within the program's stack memory segment, making it particularly susceptible to exploitation through return-oriented programming techniques or direct code injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious configuration files or search queries that trigger the buffer overflow condition, while local users with write access to the configuration file can exploit the same vulnerability. The attack surface includes not only the direct execution of malicious code but also potential privilege escalation scenarios where the compromised application process operates with elevated system permissions. This vulnerability directly violates security principles of input validation and memory safety, creating a persistent risk for systems running the affected software version.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2425 should prioritize immediate software updates and patches from the vendor, as this vulnerability has been widely documented and patched in subsequent releases. System administrators should implement input validation controls to restrict the length of configuration parameters and search strings, while also considering runtime protections such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification and maps to attack patterns within the MITRE ATT&CK framework under initial access and execution phases. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running the affected software version and implement network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. Additionally, monitoring for unusual search patterns or configuration file modifications can help detect exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify proper input sanitization mechanisms are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom applications.