CVE-2007-1465 in dproxy
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in dproxy.c for dproxy 0.1 through 0.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long DNS query packet to UDP port 53.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1465 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the dproxy software version range 0.1 through 0.5. This issue specifically affects the dproxy.c component which serves as a DNS proxy utility designed to forward DNS queries between clients and servers. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes incoming DNS query packets transmitted over UDP port 53, making it particularly dangerous as DNS is a fundamental protocol for internet infrastructure. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the DNS query processing routine, where the application fails to properly validate the length of incoming DNS packets before copying data into fixed-size stack buffers. This deficiency creates an exploitable condition where malicious actors can craft specially crafted DNS query packets exceeding the allocated buffer space, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The attack vector requires remote execution with no authentication required, making it particularly dangerous in network environments where DNS services are accessible to untrusted parties. When an attacker sends a malformed DNS query packet containing excessive data, the application's processing routine copies this data into a stack buffer without proper length verification, causing the buffer to overflow and overwrite return addresses, saved registers, and other critical stack data. This memory corruption can be systematically exploited to redirect program execution flow to malicious code injected by the attacker, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1465 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass broader security implications for network infrastructure. DNS proxy services are commonly deployed in enterprise environments, network appliances, and internet service provider configurations where they serve as critical components for DNS traffic management and filtering. When compromised, these systems can be leveraged for various malicious activities including but not limited to DNS cache poisoning, data exfiltration, or as a stepping stone for further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects the availability and integrity of DNS services, potentially disrupting legitimate network operations while providing attackers with persistent access points. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for DNS tunneling and T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands and establish persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary and most effective solution involves upgrading to a patched version of dproxy beyond version 0.5, as the vulnerability was resolved in subsequent releases through proper input validation and buffer management techniques. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure of DNS proxy services to untrusted networks, while also deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malformed DNS traffic patterns. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization and bounds checking within the application code, combined with stack protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, can provide defense-in-depth against similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential buffer overflow conditions in legacy software components that may be susceptible to similar exploitation techniques. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper security patch management processes to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in widely deployed network infrastructure tools.