CVE-2007-2711 in TinyIdentD
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in TinyIdentD 2.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string to TCP port 113.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2711 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in TinyIdentD version 2.2 and earlier implementations. This vulnerability exists within the identification service daemon that operates on TCP port 113, which is the standard port for the ident protocol used to determine the identity of users connected to a system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the daemon's processing of client requests, specifically when handling user-provided data sent to the ident service. When a remote attacker sends a specially crafted, excessively long string to the TCP port 113, the application fails to properly bounds-check the incoming data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer, creating an exploitable condition.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack buffer overflow pattern where the oversized input overwrites adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially corrupting the return address and allowing an attacker to redirect program execution flow. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and falls under the broader category of CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. The attack vector requires only network connectivity to the target system's TCP port 113, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without requiring any authentication or local access. The vulnerability exists because the application does not implement proper input length validation before processing user data, allowing malicious input to exceed the allocated buffer space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation could provide attackers with complete control over the affected system. Since the ident service typically runs with elevated privileges, an attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially gain root or administrative access to the system. The vulnerability affects systems where TinyIdentD is deployed, which were commonly found in Unix-like environments and network infrastructure devices that rely on ident protocol for user identification. The consequences include potential data compromise, system takeover, and the ability to establish persistent access points within the network. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation, and T1566, which addresses phishing attacks that could leverage such services for initial access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the TinyIdentD software to version 2.3 or later, which includes proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to TCP port 113, as the ident protocol is rarely needed in modern network configurations. System administrators should disable the ident service entirely if it is not required for legacy applications or network protocols. Additional defensive measures include implementing intrusion detection systems that monitor for unusual traffic patterns on port 113 and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially unpatched services. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of input validation in network services and demonstrates how seemingly benign protocols can become attack vectors when not properly secured. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous data patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where legacy services remain operational.