CVE-2005-3489 in Video Security Online
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Asus Video Security 3.5.0.0 and earlier, when using authorization, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long username/password string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3489 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Asus Video Security software version 3.5.0.0 and earlier implementations. This security weakness specifically manifests during the authentication process when the system fails to properly validate the length of username and password inputs provided by users. The flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms that do not enforce proper bounds checking on user-supplied credentials, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote threat actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. In the context of authentication systems, this flaw enables attackers to craft specially formatted username and password strings that exceed the allocated buffer space. When the application processes these excessively long inputs, the overflow corrupts the program's memory stack, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite return addresses and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario that can be exploited through network-based attacks without requiring local access.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3489 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise capabilities for unauthorized remote attackers. Since the vulnerability occurs during the authentication phase, attackers can potentially bypass access controls entirely and gain unauthorized administrative access to video security systems. This compromise affects not only the confidentiality and integrity of video surveillance data but also creates persistent backdoor access points that can be maintained long-term. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target these systems from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access or local credentials, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise security infrastructures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves upgrading to Asus Video Security versions that contain proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms, as this represents the most effective defense against the specific buffer overflow condition. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate security camera systems and limit the attack surface available to potential intruders. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while input validation should be strengthened across all authentication interfaces to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the security infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services, emphasizing the need for proper access controls and network monitoring to detect such exploitation attempts.