CVE-2007-5767 in BorderManager
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the Client Trust application (clntrust.exe) in Novell BorderManager 3.8 before Update 1.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a validation request in which the Novell tree name is not properly delimited with a wide-character backslash or NULL character.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5767 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within Novell BorderManager 3.8's Client Trust application component. This flaw exists in the clntrust.exe executable and affects versions prior to Update 1.5, making it a significant security concern for organizations relying on Novell's network security infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of validation requests where the Novell tree name parameter lacks proper delimitation through wide-character backslash or NULL character termination, creating exploitable conditions that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Client Trust application's failure to properly validate and terminate string inputs when processing Novell tree names in validation requests. When a remote attacker submits a specially crafted validation request containing an overly long tree name parameter, the application's memory management routines fail to enforce proper bounds checking, allowing the input data to overflow into adjacent heap memory regions. This heap-based buffer overflow creates opportunities for attackers to overwrite critical memory structures, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates over network protocols, enabling remote exploitation without requiring local system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with a pathway to compromise entire network security infrastructures managed by Novell BorderManager. Organizations utilizing this software for network access control, authentication, and security policy enforcement face significant risk of unauthorized access to their network resources. The vulnerability can be exploited to establish persistent access points, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads within the network environment. This makes it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to maintain long-term presence within target networks while bypassing traditional security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5767 should prioritize immediate deployment of Novell's official Update 1.5, which addresses the specific buffer overflow conditions in the Client Trust application. Network administrators should also implement robust input validation controls at network boundaries, including filtering of malformed validation requests and monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059 for remote code execution, while also potentially enabling privilege escalation through T1068. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any remaining instances of older BorderManager versions and implement network segmentation to limit potential impact if exploitation occurs. Additionally, regular security updates and patch management processes should be strengthened to prevent similar vulnerabilities from remaining unaddressed in critical infrastructure components.