CVE-2007-0201 in Internet Firewall Toolkit
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the cmd_usr function in ftp-gw in TIS Internet Firewall Toolkit (FWTK) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long destination hostname (dest).
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0201 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the ftp-gw component of the TIS Internet Firewall Toolkit FWTK. This vulnerability exists in the cmd_usr function where insufficient input validation occurs when processing destination hostnames. The flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking on user-supplied data, specifically when handling long destination hostnames that exceed the allocated buffer space. The affected software component operates as a gateway for ftp connections and processes user commands through a command-line interface that accepts destination hostnames for routing purposes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit the buffer overflow condition by crafting maliciously long destination hostname parameters. When the cmd_usr function processes these excessively long inputs, it writes data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of the destination hostname buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory structures including return addresses and control data. This memory corruption enables attackers to manipulate the program execution flow and inject arbitrary code into the running process. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where the function fails to properly validate input length before copying data into fixed-size buffers. The attack vector operates entirely over network communication, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no local access or authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially catastrophic for systems running affected versions of the TIS Internet Firewall Toolkit. Remote code execution capabilities provide attackers with complete system compromise, enabling them to gain unauthorized access to network resources, escalate privileges, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects network security infrastructure components that rely on the ftp-gw functionality for secure file transfer operations, creating a significant risk for organizations that depend on proper firewall and gateway services. The exploitation can result in complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and disruption of network services. Organizations using this toolkit may face regulatory compliance issues and security audit failures due to the presence of such critical vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0201 should prioritize immediate patching of the TIS Internet Firewall Toolkit to the latest secure versions that address the buffer overflow condition in the cmd_usr function. System administrators must implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks. Input validation should be strengthened through the implementation of proper bounds checking mechanisms, length validation, and the use of secure coding practices that prevent buffer overflows. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other network infrastructure components. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers may attempt to execute malicious code through compromised gateway services. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential compromise scenarios.