CVE-2005-4565 in NetVanta
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the Internet Key Exchange version 1 (IKEv1) implementation in ADTRAN NetVanta before 10.03.03.E might allow remote attackers to have an unknown impact via format string specifiers in crafted IKE packets, as demonstrated by the PROTOS ISAKMP Test Suite for IKEv1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4565 represents a critical format string flaw within the Internet Key Exchange version 1 implementation of ADTRAN NetVanta network equipment. This vulnerability specifically affects devices running firmware versions prior to 10.03.03.E and exposes the system to potential remote exploitation through carefully crafted IKE packets. The issue manifests in the handling of format string specifiers within the IKEv1 protocol implementation, which forms the foundation of secure key exchange mechanisms in IPsec networks. The vulnerability was demonstrated using the PROTOS ISAKMP Test Suite for IKEv1, indicating that it affects the core authentication and key exchange processes that establish secure communications between network devices.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation within the IKEv1 implementation where user-supplied data from incoming packets is directly processed without adequate sanitization. When the system encounters format string specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x within crafted IKE packets, it attempts to interpret these as formatting directives rather than literal data. This behavior creates a classic format string vulnerability that can be exploited to read arbitrary memory locations, overwrite critical system variables, or potentially execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability exists at the protocol parsing layer where the system fails to properly escape or validate format string parameters before processing them through functions like printf or similar formatting routines. This flaw directly maps to CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of user-supplied format strings without proper validation or sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and network infiltration capabilities. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can potentially gain unauthorized access to network infrastructure, disrupt secure communications, and establish persistent backdoors within the affected network environment. The implications are particularly severe for organizations relying on ADTRAN NetVanta devices for secure network connectivity, as these devices often serve as critical gateways for IPsec VPN connections and secure remote access. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security infrastructure of the network, potentially allowing attackers to intercept encrypted communications, modify network traffic, or escalate privileges to administrative levels. This represents a significant threat to enterprise security posture and network integrity, especially when these devices are deployed in critical network segments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4565 require immediate firmware updates to version 10.03.03.E or later, which contain patches addressing the format string vulnerability in the IKEv1 implementation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable devices to untrusted networks, while monitoring for suspicious IKE traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network administrators should consider disabling IKEv1 protocols where possible and transitioning to IKEv2 implementations which typically provide better protection against such vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems with signature matching capabilities for known exploitation patterns can help identify and block malicious IKE packets before they can compromise the system. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current firmware versions and implementing robust security monitoring practices to protect against protocol-level vulnerabilities that can undermine entire network security infrastructures.