CVE-2005-2789 in BFCC
Summary
by MITRE
BFCommand & Control Server Manager BFCC 1.22_A and earlier, and BFVCC 2.14_B and earlier, allows remote attackers to bypass authentication via (1) an unknown attack vector or (2) a NULL (0x00) as a username.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2789 affects BFCommand & Control Server Manager BFCC versions 1.22_A and earlier, as well as BFVCC versions 2.14_B and earlier. These software components are part of the battlefield command and control infrastructure used for military and defense communications. The flaw represents a critical authentication bypass vulnerability that could potentially allow unauthorized access to sensitive military systems and communications networks. This vulnerability is particularly concerning given the classified nature of the systems it affects and the potential for compromising national security infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that exploit weaknesses in the authentication mechanism. The first vector involves an unknown attack method that has not been fully documented in the public domain, suggesting either incomplete disclosure or a novel approach to bypassing authentication controls. The second and more clearly defined vector involves the use of a NULL byte (0x00) as a username parameter during authentication attempts. This particular method exploits a common input validation flaw where the software fails to properly sanitize or validate user input, allowing the NULL byte to be processed as a legitimate authentication credential.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access. When an attacker successfully bypasses authentication, they gain full administrative privileges within the command and control systems, potentially allowing them to manipulate mission-critical communications, alter operational data, or even disrupt ongoing military operations. The implications are severe given that these systems handle sensitive battlefield information, real-time communications, and potentially life-critical operational data. The vulnerability could enable adversaries to gain intelligence advantages by accessing classified communications or to cause operational disruption by manipulating command structures.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting. The use of NULL bytes as authentication credentials represents a classic buffer overflow or input sanitization vulnerability that has been documented in numerous security frameworks. The authentication bypass allows attackers to operate within the system undetected while maintaining persistent access, making it particularly dangerous for long-term surveillance or operational disruption.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patch deployment for all affected versions of BFCC and BFVCC software, followed by comprehensive input validation implementation across all authentication mechanisms. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate command and control systems from general network access, while additional monitoring and logging should be deployed to detect anomalous authentication patterns. Organizations should also implement multi-factor authentication where possible and establish strict access controls with regular privilege reviews. The vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough input validation and proper authentication mechanisms, particularly in high-security environments where system integrity is paramount. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other legacy systems that may be similarly vulnerable to authentication bypass attacks.