CVE-2007-0062 in Server
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the ISC dhcpd 3.0.x before 3.0.7 and 3.1.x before 3.1.1; and the DHCP server in EMC VMware Workstation before 5.5.5 Build 56455 and 6.x before 6.0.1 Build 55017, Player before 1.0.5 Build 56455 and Player 2 before 2.0.1 Build 55017, ACE before 1.0.3 Build 54075 and ACE 2 before 2.0.1 Build 55017, and Server before 1.0.4 Build 56528; allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) or execute arbitrary code via a malformed DHCP packet with a large dhcp-max-message-size that triggers a stack-based buffer overflow, related to servers configured to send many DHCP options to clients.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0062 represents a critical integer overflow flaw affecting multiple DHCP server implementations including ISC dhcpd and various VMware products. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation when processing DHCP packets containing excessive dhcp-max-message-size values, creating conditions where integer arithmetic operations exceed maximum representable values. The flaw manifests as a stack-based buffer overflow when servers attempt to handle malformed DHCP packets with oversized message size parameters, particularly when configured to transmit numerous DHCP options to client devices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of DHCP packet structures where attackers craft malicious packets containing abnormally large dhcp-max-message-size fields. When the affected DHCP servers process these packets, the integer overflow corrupts stack memory, potentially leading to daemon crashes or arbitrary code execution. This behavior aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and CWE-121, Stack-based Buffer Overflow, demonstrating how improper integer handling can cascade into memory corruption vulnerabilities. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where DHCP servers are accessible to untrusted clients.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potential remote code execution capabilities that could compromise entire network infrastructures. Network administrators using affected versions of ISC dhcpd or VMware products face significant risk as attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized control over DHCP services, potentially disrupting network operations or establishing persistent access points. The vulnerability affects servers configured to send many DHCP options, which is common in enterprise environments where detailed network configuration information must be transmitted to clients. This makes the attack surface particularly broad across various deployment scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0062 require immediate patching of all affected software versions, including upgrading ISC dhcpd to versions 3.0.7 or later and 3.1.1 or later, as well as updating VMware products to their respective secure builds. Network segmentation and DHCP server hardening measures should be implemented to limit exposure, including restricting DHCP server access to trusted networks and implementing proper input validation at network boundaries. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous DHCP traffic patterns and unusual message size parameters that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper integer overflow protection mechanisms and buffer size validation in network services, particularly those handling user-supplied data in protocols like DHCP where malformed packets are common attack vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for DHCP-related anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts.