CVE-2006-0083 in SMS Server Tools
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the logging code of SMS Server Tools (smstools) 1.14.8 and earlier allows local users to execute arbitrary code via unspecified attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0083 represents a critical format string flaw within the logging functionality of SMS Server Tools version 1.14.8 and earlier releases. This issue resides in the software's ability to handle log messages, specifically when processing user-provided input through the logging subsystem. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the logging code where format specifiers are directly processed without adequate protection against malicious input sequences.
This format string vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data without proper validation. The flaw enables local attackers to manipulate the logging functions by injecting format specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x into log entries, potentially leading to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of the running application, allowing privilege escalation from the local user level to the application's execution context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate memory layout, potentially leading to stack smashing or heap corruption. When the vulnerable logging code processes malicious input containing format specifiers, it can read from or write to arbitrary memory locations, enabling attackers to overwrite critical program variables, function pointers, or return addresses. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the execution occurs through the application's own code execution paths rather than external command injection.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires local system access and involves crafting malicious input that gets processed through the logging mechanism. Attackers typically construct format string payloads that contain specific sequences designed to extract data from the stack or manipulate program flow. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where smstools operates with elevated privileges or where log files are processed by other components that might inadvertently execute the injected code. The attack surface is limited to the local system but can be leveraged to escalate privileges or create persistent backdoors within the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate software updates and code-level fixes. The most effective solution involves upgrading to a patched version of SMS Server Tools that properly validates and sanitizes all input before processing through logging functions. Security measures should include implementing proper input validation, using safe string formatting functions such as snprintf instead of sprintf, and employing stack canaries or other memory protection mechanisms. Additionally, system administrators should implement least privilege principles for the smstools application, restrict local access to the system, and monitor log files for suspicious patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify potential format string attack patterns in log processing activities.