CVE-2005-4566 in NetVanta
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow 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 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 described in CVE-2005-4566 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Internet Key Exchange version 1 implementation of ADTRAN NetVanta network devices. This issue affects all versions prior to 10.03.03.E and demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the cryptographic key exchange protocol that underpins secure communications across IPsec networks. The vulnerability manifests specifically within the IKEv1 protocol implementation, which is responsible for establishing secure communication channels between network entities through the exchange of cryptographic keys and security parameters. The flaw allows remote attackers to craft specially designed IKE packets that can trigger memory corruption within the affected device's processing mechanisms, potentially leading to system instability or unauthorized access to network resources.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking occurs during memory allocation and data handling operations. The implementation flaw occurs during the processing of Internet Key Exchange packets, particularly when the device receives and parses malformed or specially crafted IKE messages. The buffer overflow occurs because the system fails to properly validate the length of incoming IKE packet data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. This allows an attacker to exceed the allocated buffer boundaries and overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because IKEv1 operates at the network layer and is critical for establishing secure connections, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable full system compromise and unauthorized network access. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause the affected ADTRAN NetVanta device to crash or behave unpredictably, resulting in denial of service for legitimate network users who depend on secure communication channels. More critically, successful exploitation could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected device, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive network resources. The vulnerability affects network security infrastructure devices that rely on IKEv1 for establishing secure connections, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these devices protect critical network communications. The attack vector requires only network connectivity to the vulnerable device, making it accessible to attackers with minimal privileges and no physical access to the target system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and network segmentation approaches. Organizations must prioritize updating their ADTRAN NetVanta devices to version 10.03.03.E or later, which contains the necessary fixes to address the buffer overflow condition. Network administrators should also implement network monitoring to detect suspicious IKE traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malformed IKE packets can provide additional layers of protection. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network access controls that limit exposure of IKEv1 ports to trusted sources only, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques related to remote code execution and privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for organizations that rely on IPsec-based security solutions for their network infrastructure protection.