CVE-2007-2874 in Fedora Core
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the wpa_printf function in the debugging code in wpa_supplicant in the Fedora NetworkManager package before 0.6.5-3.fc7 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via malformed frames on a WPA2 network. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2874 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the wpa_supplicant component of Fedora NetworkManager package versions prior to 0.6.5-3.fc7. This security weakness resides specifically within the wpa_printf function located in the debugging code portion of the wireless authentication daemon. The flaw manifests when processing malformed wireless frames transmitted over WPA2 networks, creating a potential exploitation vector for remote attackers who can manipulate network traffic to trigger the overflow condition.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the debugging functionality of wpa_supplicant. The wpa_printf function, designed for logging and debugging purposes, fails to properly bounds-check input data when processing wireless frames containing malformed parameters. This inadequate memory management allows attackers to craft specially constructed wireless frames that exceed the allocated buffer space, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability operates at the network protocol level where wireless authentication frames are processed, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered without requiring local system access or authentication.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2874 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a privilege escalation vector that could enable attackers to gain arbitrary code execution within the context of the wpa_supplicant process. This presents significant risks for wireless network security since the affected component operates with elevated privileges necessary for network authentication functions. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that exploitation requires the presence of a malicious wireless network or man-in-the-middle position, but once established, the vulnerability could allow attackers to compromise wireless authentication processes, potentially leading to complete network access or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through wireless protocols.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate package updates to versions 0.6.5-3.fc7 or later where the buffer overflow has been patched. System administrators should prioritize deployment of the fixed NetworkManager package as the primary remediation measure, ensuring that all wireless clients are updated to prevent exploitation. Additional network-level protections include implementing proper wireless network segmentation, deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for malformed wireless frames, and configuring wireless access points with strict frame validation. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary debugging features in production environments where such functionality could introduce attack surface without providing essential operational benefits. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in network protocol implementations and highlights the critical need for thorough security testing of authentication components in wireless infrastructure.