CVE-2006-1840 in Empire Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple format string vulnerabilities in Empire Server before 4.3.1 allow attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via the (1) load, (2) spy and (3) bomb functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1840 represents a critical format string flaw affecting Empire Server versions prior to 4.3.1. This issue manifests across three distinct functions within the server application, specifically the load, spy, and bomb functions, which collectively create a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to disrupt service availability. Format string vulnerabilities occur when application code improperly handles user-supplied input during string formatting operations, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and execution flow through carefully crafted input sequences.
These format string vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-134 classification, which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw enables attackers to exploit the server's string handling mechanisms by injecting format specifiers into the input parameters of the affected functions. When the server processes these malformed inputs through functions like printf or similar string formatting routines, the attacker can trigger memory corruption, arbitrary code execution, or most commonly in this case, application crashes that result in denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it creates a predictable pattern of system instability that can be leveraged for sustained denial of service attacks. Attackers can repeatedly exploit these functions to crash the server processes, forcing administrators to restart services and potentially causing extended downtime for legitimate users. The specific functions affected - load, spy, and bomb - suggest this server application handles various operational tasks including data loading operations, monitoring activities, and potentially destructive actions, making the exploitation particularly dangerous as it could be used to compromise system integrity.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which covers network denial of service attacks through application layer attacks. The attack vector requires minimal sophistication as attackers only need to send malformed input to the affected functions, making this a particularly dangerous vulnerability for publicly accessible services. The lack of input validation in these critical server functions creates a direct pathway for exploitation that can be automated and scaled against multiple targets. Security practitioners should consider implementing input validation measures, including parameter sanitization and strict format string handling, to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Additionally, regular security updates and patch management processes are essential to ensure that such known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly before they can be exploited in real-world scenarios.
The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in server applications, particularly when handling user-supplied data in string operations. Organizations should conduct comprehensive code reviews focusing on string handling functions and implement robust security testing procedures including fuzzing and static analysis to identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.