CVE-2007-1404 in TFTP Server TFTPDWIN
Summary
by MITRE
tftpd.exe in ProSysInfo TFTP Server TFTPDWIN 0.4.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a long UDP packet that is not properly handled in a recv_from call. NOTE: this issue might be related to CVE-2006-4948.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1404 affects the tftpd.exe component within ProSysInfo TFTP Server TFTPDWIN version 0.4.2, representing a critical denial of service weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers. This flaw specifically manifests when the server receives UDP packets that exceed normal handling capabilities, creating a scenario where the recv_from system call fails to properly process oversized packets. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and buffer management within the TFTP server implementation, making it susceptible to malformed network traffic that can trigger system instability. The vulnerability operates at the transport layer of the network stack, specifically targeting the User Datagram Protocol handling mechanisms that are fundamental to TFTP operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends a UDP packet exceeding the expected buffer size to the TFTP server listening on port 69. The recv_from function call within tftpd.exe does not adequately validate packet boundaries or implement proper buffer overflow protection, causing the server process to crash or become unresponsive when attempting to process the oversized packet. This behavior aligns with common software security weaknesses categorized under CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The improper handling of network input data represents a classic example of insufficient input validation that can lead to system resource exhaustion or process termination.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1404 extends beyond simple service disruption, potentially compromising the availability of critical network services that rely on TFTP functionality for file transfers. Organizations using this vulnerable TFTP server implementation may experience unauthorized denial of service attacks that can affect network infrastructure maintenance, system updates, and remote management operations. The vulnerability's relationship to CVE-2006-4948 suggests a broader pattern of similar buffer handling issues within the ProSysInfo TFTP server software, indicating that multiple components may be susceptible to similar exploitation vectors. Attackers can leverage this weakness to repeatedly disrupt TFTP services without requiring authentication or specialized privileges, making it particularly dangerous in network environments where TFTP is used for legitimate administrative purposes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate software updates from ProSysInfo to address the underlying buffer handling flaws in tftpd.exe. Network administrators should implement firewall rules to restrict access to TFTP ports from trusted networks only, reducing the attack surface for remote exploitation attempts. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for unusually large UDP packets on port 69 can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper error handling and input validation in network services, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed TFTP packets and automatically block suspicious traffic patterns, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other network services.