CVE-2005-3298 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer 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 • 07/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3298 represents a critical security flaw affecting OpenWBEM installations on SuSE Linux 9 systems. This issue manifests through multiple buffer overflow conditions within the OpenWBEM framework, which serves as a web-based enterprise management platform implementing the Web Services for Management (WS-MAN) standard. The buffer overflows occur during the processing of malformed input data received from remote attackers, creating potential entry points for malicious code execution. These vulnerabilities are particularly concerning because they affect the core management infrastructure of enterprise systems, potentially allowing unauthorized actors to gain control over critical network resources.
The technical implementation of these buffer overflows stems from insufficient input validation and memory management practices within the OpenWBEM components. When processing incoming requests containing specially crafted payloads, the software fails to properly bounds-check buffer allocations, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite critical program execution structures. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be triggered through various communication channels including HTTP and HTTPS protocols. According to CWE classification, this represents a classic buffer overflow scenario categorized under CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The attack vectors remain unspecified in the original CVE description, indicating that multiple pathways exist for exploitation, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as defenders cannot easily predict or fully mitigate all potential attack surfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3298 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to enterprise management infrastructure. Organizations relying on OpenWBEM for system monitoring and management face significant risks including data theft, system disruption, and potential lateral movement within their network environments. The vulnerability affects systems that depend on the Common Information Model (CIM) and WS-MAN protocols for enterprise management, potentially impacting critical infrastructure components such as servers, storage systems, and network devices that utilize these management interfaces. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, as exploitation typically requires establishing persistent access to the compromised management systems. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that OpenWBEM often operates with elevated privileges, making successful exploitation particularly damaging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3298 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize applying vendor patches and updates to the OpenWBEM software, as the vulnerability was addressed through memory management improvements and input validation enhancements. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to OpenWBEM services, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Additionally, monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security controls should include implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms, as well as regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in related management systems. The remediation process should also consider the broader context of enterprise security posture, ensuring that other management interfaces and protocols are similarly protected against buffer overflow vulnerabilities. Given the age of this vulnerability, organizations should also evaluate their overall legacy system support strategies and consider migration to more modern management platforms that incorporate better security practices and are actively maintained.