CVE-2005-2627 in Kismet
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer underflows in Kismet before 2005-08-R1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) kernel headers in a pcap file or (2) data frame dissection, which leads to heap-based buffer overflows.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2627 represents a critical security flaw in Kismet wireless network detection software prior to version 2005-08-R1. This issue stems from improper input validation and handling of network packet data, creating a pathway for remote code execution through carefully crafted malicious inputs. The vulnerability affects the software's ability to process wireless network traffic captures, specifically targeting how it handles packet headers and frame dissection routines.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in integer underflow conditions that occur when processing kernel headers within pcap files and during data frame dissection operations. When these integer underflows occur, they result in heap-based buffer overflows that can be exploited by remote attackers. The integer underflow vulnerability (cwe-191) manifests when a signed integer is decremented below its minimum value, causing it to wrap around to a large positive value. This behavior directly leads to the heap buffer overflow condition (cwe-121) where insufficient bounds checking allows data to be written beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication or local access. Attackers can craft malicious pcap files or manipulate network data frames to trigger the integer underflow conditions, subsequently causing the heap buffer overflow that allows arbitrary code execution. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for wireless network monitoring environments where Kismet is deployed, as it can be exploited by attackers positioned outside the network perimeter. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of wireless network detection and analysis, potentially compromising the entire monitoring infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching to version 2005-08-R1 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and integer overflow protection mechanisms. System administrators should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unusual packet processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy, specifically relating to buffer overflow exploitation methods and remote code execution vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious wireless network traffic patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar integer underflow conditions in other network monitoring tools and applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in network protocol processing software, particularly in security tools that handle potentially malicious data from external sources.