CVE-2005-4581 in Electric Sheep
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Electric Sheep 2.6.3 client allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long window-id parameter. NOTE: because the program is not setuid and not normally called from remote programs, there may not be a typical attack vector for the issue that crosses privilege boundaries. Therefore this may not be a vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4581 represents a buffer overflow condition within the Electric Sheep 2.6.3 client software, which poses significant security risks when exploited by local users. Electric Sheep is a distributed art installation that displays animated fractals across networks, and its client component is designed to run on individual machines. The flaw specifically occurs when processing a window-id parameter that exceeds the allocated buffer size, creating an opportunity for malicious code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which encompasses stack-based buffer overflow conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the client application's parameter handling mechanism. When a local user provides an excessively long window-id parameter, the application fails to properly bounds-check the input before copying it into a fixed-size buffer. This classic buffer overflow scenario allows the attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and redirecting program execution flow. The exploitability of this condition is heightened by the fact that Electric Sheep client typically runs with user privileges, making local code execution a direct threat to system integrity. According to ATT&CK framework methodology, this represents a privilege escalation technique through local exploitation, specifically categorized under T1068 which involves exploiting vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for further system compromise. While the vulnerability requires local access and does not present a typical remote attack vector, it still represents a significant security concern for systems where Electric Sheep is deployed. The lack of setuid permissions and the absence of remote invocation mechanisms does not eliminate the risk entirely, as local users with legitimate access to the system can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges or execute malicious payloads. This scenario aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers execution through command and scripting interpreters, potentially allowing for more sophisticated attack chains once initial access is gained. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where unauthorized local access could lead to unauthorized code execution with the privileges of the Electric Sheep process.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4581 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of Electric Sheep that properly validates input parameters and implements robust buffer management techniques. Organizations should also implement proper input validation controls at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are checked against expected length and format constraints. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing privilege separation mechanisms and access controls to limit local user capabilities when running such applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices, particularly regarding proper memory management and input validation. Network segmentation and monitoring should also be employed to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the system landscape.