CVE-2005-3491 in FlatFrag
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the receiver function in loop.c in FlatFrag 0.3 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the (1) version, (2) name, and (3) model fields.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3491 represents a critical security flaw in FlatFrag version 0.3 and earlier, specifically within the receiver function of the loop.c file. This issue manifests as multiple buffer overflow conditions that occur when processing incoming data through three distinct fields: version, name, and model. The vulnerability exists at the core of the application's data handling mechanism, where insufficient input validation and bounds checking allow malicious actors to exploit memory corruption opportunities. These buffer overflows create potential entry points for remote code execution attacks, making the affected system particularly vulnerable to exploitation by attackers who can send specially crafted data to the vulnerable service.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied input within the loop.c file's receiver function. When the application processes incoming data containing the version, name, or model fields, it fails to adequately validate the length of these inputs before copying them into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow scenario occurs because the application assumes that incoming data will not exceed predetermined limits, leading to memory corruption when attackers provide input that exceeds the allocated buffer space. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. These flaws create opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution through stack smashing or heap corruption techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3491 extends beyond simple data corruption, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. This capability fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of affected systems, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over the target machine. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on FlatFrag for network communication or data processing, particularly those that receive untrusted input from remote sources. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious packets containing oversized version, name, or model fields that trigger the buffer overflow conditions. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location on the internet, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for network services or applications that are publicly accessible. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation for execution through remote code injection attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention and comprehensive implementation across affected systems. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of FlatFrag that addresses the buffer overflow conditions in the loop.c file. Organizations should implement input validation measures that enforce strict bounds checking on all incoming data, particularly for the version, name, and model fields. Additionally, deploying network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. The implementation of address space layout randomization ASLR and stack canaries can provide additional protection against exploitation attempts, though these are not complete solutions. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the system. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper memory management practices in preventing remote code execution attacks, aligning with security best practices outlined in various industry standards including those from the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.