CVE-2005-4714 in OpenVMPS
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the vmps_log function in OpenVMPS (VLAN Management Policy Server) 1.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2025
The CVE-2005-4714 vulnerability represents a critical format string flaw in OpenVMPS version 1.3's vmps_log function, which exposes the system to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the logging mechanism, where user-supplied data is directly processed through format specifiers without adequate sanitization. The flaw exists in the VLAN Management Policy Server implementation that manages virtual local area network configurations in network environments. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows remote attackers to manipulate the format string parameters and potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vmps_log function processes log messages that may contain user-provided data, creating an attack surface where malicious inputs can be crafted to exploit the insecure formatting operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the format string vulnerability pattern classified under CWE-134, which occurs when a program uses user-supplied data as a format string parameter in functions like printf, sprintf, or fprintf. In OpenVMPS, the vmps_log function fails to properly validate or sanitize input data before incorporating it into logging operations, creating opportunities for attackers to inject format specifiers that can lead to memory corruption and code execution. The attack vectors remain unspecified in the original description, suggesting that the vulnerability could be triggered through various network communication channels used by the VMPS service. This lack of specificity indicates the vulnerability may be exploitable through multiple attack surfaces including network protocols, API endpoints, or configuration interfaces that interact with the logging subsystem.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-4714 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of network management systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the VMPS server and potentially escalate privileges to execute malicious commands with the privileges of the running service. The vulnerability directly affects network security infrastructure, as VMPS servers are critical components in VLAN management and network segmentation policies. Organizations relying on OpenVMPS for network security enforcement face significant risks including unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, and potential disruption of network services. The vulnerability's exploitation could enable attackers to modify VLAN configurations, bypass network security controls, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network segmentation and access control are paramount security measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4714 should focus on immediate patching and implementation of defensive measures to prevent exploitation. The primary remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of OpenVMPS that addresses the format string vulnerability in the vmps_log function, which would typically involve proper input validation and sanitization of user data before processing through format string operations. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of VMPS services to untrusted networks. Additional defensive measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious patterns related to the VMPS service, implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts, and conducting regular security assessments of network management infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) indicates that exploitation could involve command execution and privilege escalation within the network environment. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting network access to critical network management services to reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation scenarios.