CVE-2007-6631 in libnemesi
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in LScube libnemesi 0.6.4-rc1 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a reply that begins with a long version string, which triggers an overflow in handle_rtsp_pkt in rtsp_handlers.c; long headers that trigger overflows in (2) send_pause_request, (3) send_play_request, (4) send_setup_request, or (5) send_teardown_request in rtsp_send.c, as demonstrated by the Content-Base header; or a long Transport header, which triggers an overflow in (6) get_transport_str_sctp, (7) get_transport_str_tcp, or (8) get_transport_str_udp in rtsp_transport.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6631 represents a critical buffer overflow issue within the LScube libnemesi library version 0.6.4-rc1 and earlier. This flaw exists in the Real Time Streaming Protocol implementation and affects multiple components of the library's RTSP handling functionality. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation when processing various RTSP protocol elements, creating opportunities for remote code execution through carefully crafted malicious responses or requests. The affected library is commonly used in streaming media applications and network protocols that rely on RTSP for media control operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through several distinct buffer overflow conditions within the library's RTSP processing code. The primary overflow occurs in handle_rtsp_pkt function within rtsp_handlers.c when processing replies containing excessively long version strings, which directly overflows the allocated buffer space. Additionally, multiple functions in rtsp_send.c demonstrate similar vulnerabilities when processing long headers, specifically in send_pause_request, send_play_request, send_setup_request, and send_teardown_request functions. These functions fail to properly validate the length of Content-Base headers, allowing attackers to exceed buffer boundaries. The vulnerability also extends to rtsp_transport.c where get_transport_str_sctp, get_transport_str_tcp, and get_transport_str_udp functions overflow when handling excessively long Transport headers, demonstrating a pattern of insufficient boundary checking across multiple protocol handling components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to enable full remote code execution capabilities for attackers. An attacker who successfully exploits any of these buffer overflow conditions can potentially overwrite critical program memory, including return addresses and function pointers, allowing for arbitrary code execution on the target system. This represents a severe security risk for any system utilizing the vulnerable libnemesi library, particularly in networked environments where RTSP streaming protocols are actively used. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate system but could potentially compromise network infrastructure components that rely on RTSP for media control operations, creating cascading security implications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address the fundamental lack of input validation in the affected library functions. The most effective approach involves upgrading to a patched version of LScube libnemesi that implements proper buffer size validation and input sanitization for all RTSP protocol elements. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially vulnerable systems, while also monitoring for suspicious RTSP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malformed RTSP headers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, involving the exploitation of software vulnerabilities for remote code execution. Given the age of this vulnerability and its widespread impact, organizations should prioritize immediate remediation efforts and conduct thorough security assessments of their network infrastructure to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable library.