CVE-2006-0474 in Shareaza
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in Shareaza 2.2.1.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a large packet length field, which causes an overflow in the ReadBuffer function in (a) BTPacket.cpp and (b) EDPacket.cpp, or (2) a large packet, which causes a heap-based overflow in the Write function in (c) Packet.h.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-0474 represents a critical security flaw in Shareaza 2.2.1.0, a popular peer-to-peer file sharing application that was widely used in the mid-2000s. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the application's network packet handling components, creating multiple pathways for remote code execution attacks. The flaw exists in the core networking infrastructure of Shareaza, specifically affecting how the application processes incoming network packets from remote peers. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by crafting specially malformed network packets that trigger buffer overflow conditions in the application's memory management routines. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of Shareaza, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The affected code segments include the ReadBuffer function in BTPacket.cpp and EDPacket.cpp files, as well as the Write function in Packet.h, all of which handle network packet processing and memory allocation operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves integer overflow conditions that occur when the application processes network packet length fields and packet data. In the first scenario, attackers can manipulate the packet length field to exceed the maximum value that can be stored in an integer variable, causing the application to allocate insufficient memory for packet processing. This leads to buffer overflows in the ReadBuffer function where subsequent memory operations overwrite adjacent memory locations. The second scenario involves heap-based buffer overflows in the Write function where large packet data causes memory corruption in heap-allocated buffers. Both types of overflows can be exploited to overwrite critical memory structures, function pointers, or return addresses, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the Shareaza application process. The vulnerability affects the fundamental network communication protocols used by Shareaza, making it particularly challenging to defend against since legitimate network traffic can be used to deliver the malicious payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of systems running vulnerable versions of Shareaza. Attackers can leverage these integer overflows to gain unauthorized access to systems, potentially installing malware, stealing sensitive data, or using compromised machines as part of botnets. The vulnerability affects not only individual user systems but also network infrastructure that may be running Shareaza for file sharing purposes. Since Shareaza was commonly used in corporate and home environments, the potential attack surface was extensive, with many systems remaining vulnerable due to the widespread adoption of the software. The memory corruption patterns associated with these overflows can cause application crashes, but more critically, they provide attackers with the opportunity to manipulate program execution flow and gain persistent access to target systems. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in network applications, particularly those handling untrusted data from remote sources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from system administrators and users, including updating to patched versions of Shareaza or implementing network-level protections. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to a version of Shareaza that addresses the integer overflow conditions in the affected source files. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially compromised systems. Network administrators can deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which specifically addresses issues where integer arithmetic results in values outside the range that can be represented by the data type. Additionally, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers may use PowerShell scripts to deliver payloads or establish persistence after initial exploitation. Security practitioners should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized binaries and establish network monitoring procedures to detect anomalous traffic patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts.