CVE-2006-4181 in Radius
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the sqllog function in the SQL accounting code for radiusd in GNU Radius 1.2 and 1.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4181 represents a critical format string flaw within the GNU Radius 1.2 and 1.3 implementations, specifically within the sqllog function of the SQL accounting code module. This vulnerability resides in the radiusd daemon which serves as the core component for remote authentication, authorization, and accounting services in network environments. The flaw manifests when the system processes user input through the sqllog function without proper validation or sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious exploitation that can result in arbitrary code execution on the affected system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-134, which describes format string vulnerabilities where format specifiers in functions like printf or sprintf are constructed from user-supplied data without proper validation. In the context of GNU Radius, the sqllog function likely accepts input parameters that are subsequently passed to a printf-style function, allowing attackers to manipulate the format string and potentially overwrite memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework category of T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically through the exploitation of format string vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running affected versions of GNU Radius. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to the system, potentially escalating privileges and establishing persistent access. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local credentials to compromise the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where radiusd services are exposed to external networks. This could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential use as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of GNU Radius installations to versions that address the format string vulnerability in the sqllog function. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit exposure of radiusd services to trusted networks only, and consider disabling unnecessary SQL accounting features if they are not required for operations. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious authentication patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in network services that handle authentication data and user credentials.