CVE-2007-1006 in Ekiga
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple format string vulnerabilities in the gm_main_window_flash_message function in Ekiga before 2.0.5 allow attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted Q.931 SETUP packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1006 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the gm_main_window_flash_message function of Ekiga versions prior to 2.0.5. This flaw exists in the context of voice over internet protocol applications where the software processes incoming Q.931 SETUP packets during call establishment procedures. The Q.931 protocol is part of the ITU-T Q.931 standard used for call control in public and private branch exchange systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in telephony environments. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of user-supplied data within the format string processing mechanism, which is classified under CWE-134 as "Use of Externally-Controlled Format String" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application".
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the gm_main_window_flash_message function receives a crafted Q.931 SETUP packet containing maliciously formatted data that gets directly processed through a printf-style function without proper sanitization. This allows attackers to inject format specifiers that can manipulate the program's execution flow, potentially leading to stack corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly insidious because it operates at the application layer where legitimate network traffic is processed, making it difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring. The function's failure to validate and sanitize the incoming packet data before passing it to format string functions creates an exploitation vector that can be leveraged by remote attackers to compromise the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Ekiga process, which typically runs with user-level permissions but could potentially be escalated through additional attacks. The denial of service aspect manifests as application crashes and system instability, disrupting telephony services and potentially affecting business continuity. In environments where Ekiga is used for critical communications, such as enterprise voice systems or emergency response networks, this vulnerability could have severe operational consequences. The vulnerability affects the software's reliability and security posture, making it unsuitable for production environments without immediate patching.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1006 require immediate patching of Ekiga to version 2.0.5 or later where the format string vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of Ekiga systems to untrusted networks and employ intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious Q.931 packet patterns. The fix typically involves modifying the gm_main_window_flash_message function to use safe string formatting functions such as snprintf instead of sprintf, and implementing comprehensive input validation for all data received from network sources. Additionally, security monitoring should include regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar format string vulnerabilities in other applications, as these issues are common in legacy software systems. Network administrators should also consider implementing access controls to restrict who can send Q.931 SETUP packets to Ekiga systems, reducing the attack surface for this specific vulnerability.