CVE-2005-3483 in GO-Global
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in GO-Global for Windows 3.1.0.3270 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a data block that is longer than the specified data block size.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3483 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within GO-Global for Windows version 3.1.0.3270 and earlier installations. This software serves as a terminal emulation solution that enables users to connect to mainframe systems and other legacy environments, making it a potentially attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise enterprise networks. The buffer overflow occurs during the processing of data blocks where the application fails to properly validate the length of incoming data against predefined boundaries. When an attacker sends a data block that exceeds the allocated buffer size, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical program execution structures and enabling arbitrary code execution.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of several cybersecurity domains and aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw specifically manifests in the data block handling mechanism of the GO-Global application, where input validation fails to properly enforce size limits on incoming data streams. The operational impact extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios as the vulnerability enables remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where mainframe connectivity is prevalent. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data.
The attack vector for CVE-2005-3483 is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication and can be exploited remotely, making it accessible to attackers anywhere on the network. This characteristic places the vulnerability squarely within the ATT&CK framework's execution tactics, specifically under the category of 'Command and Scripting Interpreter' where adversaries can leverage compromised systems to execute malicious payloads. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is further amplified by the widespread use of terminal emulation software in enterprise environments, where GO-Global was commonly deployed for connecting to legacy systems. Network-based attacks can be conducted through standard network protocols that the application uses for communication, making detection and prevention challenging without proper network segmentation and application-level controls.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including patching to the latest available version of GO-Global, which would contain proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. Network segmentation strategies should be employed to limit access to affected systems, particularly those that handle mainframe communications. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual data block sizes and anomalous network traffic patterns can help identify exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in security-critical applications and serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with legacy software that may not receive ongoing security updates, emphasizing the need for comprehensive application security assessments and regular vulnerability management processes.