CVE-2005-3297 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in OpenWBEM on SuSE Linux 9 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3297 represents a critical security flaw within OpenWBEM, a web-based enterprise management framework that provides CIM (Common Information Model) services for system management. This issue affects SuSE Linux 9 systems and manifests through multiple integer overflow conditions that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of integer values within the OpenWBEM implementation, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures through carefully crafted inputs that exceed expected integer limits.
Integer overflows occur when a calculation produces a result that exceeds the maximum value that can be stored in the allocated memory space for that integer type, causing the value to wrap around to an unexpected smaller number. In the context of OpenWBEM, these overflows likely occur during buffer size calculations, array indexing operations, or memory allocation routines where integer values derived from user-supplied data are used without proper bounds checking. The specific vectors that trigger these overflows remain undisclosed in the CVE description, but they typically involve malformed requests or data structures that cause integer arithmetic to produce values that subsequently corrupt memory layouts or bypass security checks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which catalogs integer overflow and wraparound issues, and represents a classic example of how improper integer handling can lead to memory corruption exploits.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the OpenWBEM service account. This could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within managed environments. Given that OpenWBEM is designed for enterprise management and typically runs with elevated privileges, the potential for damage is significant. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to critical system information, manipulate management interfaces, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack vector eliminates the need for physical access or local system compromise, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments where OpenWBEM services are exposed to untrusted networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3297 should focus on immediate patch application from SuSE security advisories, as the vulnerability was likely addressed through proper integer bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of OpenWBEM services to trusted networks only, while also deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include configuring firewalls to restrict access to OpenWBEM ports, implementing strict input validation at network boundaries, and establishing regular security audits of management interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for OpenWBEM service accounts, ensuring that the service operates with minimal required permissions. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under T1059 for command and script injection, with potential lateral movement opportunities through compromised management interfaces. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments remain critical for maintaining protection against similar integer overflow vulnerabilities that may exist in other enterprise management systems.