CVE-2007-6273 in Global VPN Client
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple format string vulnerabilities in the configuration file in SonicWALL GLobal VPN Client 3.1.556 and 4.0.0.810 allow user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the (1) Hostname tag or the (2) name attribute in the Connection tag. NOTE: there might not be any realistic circumstances in which this issue crosses privilege boundaries.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6273 represents a critical format string vulnerability affecting SonicWALL Global VPN Client versions 3.1.556 and 4.0.0.810. This security flaw exists within the application's configuration file parsing mechanism, specifically in how it handles user-supplied input during the processing of connection parameters. The vulnerability manifests when the application encounters specially crafted format string specifiers within the Hostname tag or the name attribute of the Connection tag within configuration files. These format string vulnerabilities fall under CWE-134 which categorizes weaknesses related to the improper use of format strings, typically occurring when developer-supplied format strings are constructed using user-controlled data without proper validation or sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious configuration file containing format string specifiers that can manipulate the application's memory layout and execution flow. When the vulnerable VPN client processes these malformed configuration files, the application's internal printf-family functions receive untrusted input that can be used to overwrite memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires user-assisted remote exploitation, meaning the attacker must convince a victim to load a malicious configuration file, typically through social engineering or by compromising a network share where configuration files are stored. The vulnerability's impact is constrained by the fact that the application operates within a limited privilege context, as noted in the original description, which reduces the potential for privilege escalation attacks. However, the ability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the running VPN client application still presents significant security implications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can potentially compromise the integrity of the entire VPN connection process and the underlying system. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious code that could intercept network traffic, modify connection parameters, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on SonicWALL Global VPN Client for secure remote access, potentially exposing sensitive corporate data and network resources to unauthorized access. The issue's classification as a format string vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, particularly when attackers exploit such vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary commands within the application context. Organizations using affected versions should consider the potential for lateral movement within their networks and the possibility of establishing footholds for more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6273 should focus on immediate software updates to patched versions of the SonicWALL Global VPN Client, as well as implementing strict configuration file validation policies. Organizations should enforce least privilege principles for VPN client installations and implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other network security applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in security-sensitive applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can lead to significant security breaches in network infrastructure components. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior in VPN client processes and maintain up-to-date threat intelligence regarding similar vulnerabilities in other network security tools.