CVE-2007-6701 in Novell
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the Spooler service (nwspool.dll) in Novell Client 4.91 SP4 for Windows allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long arguments to multiple unspecified RPC functions, aka Novell bug 287919, a different vulnerability than CVE-2007-2954.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-6701 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Novell Client 4.91 SP4 for Windows implementation of the Spooler service. This vulnerability specifically affects the nwspool.dll component which handles print spooling operations and communicates through Remote Procedure Call (RPC) interfaces. The flaw manifests when the Spooler service processes malformed or excessively long arguments passed to multiple unspecified RPC functions, creating conditions where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory on the stack. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows arbitrary data to overwrite stack memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios as it enables remote code execution capabilities for authenticated attackers who can manipulate the RPC interfaces. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Spooler service, which typically runs with elevated system privileges. The attack vector involves sending specially crafted RPC requests containing oversized arguments that trigger the buffer overflow condition during parameter validation or processing. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a core networking component that many organizations rely upon for print management and document handling operations, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access to networked systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires knowledge of the specific RPC function signatures and parameter handling within the Novell Client implementation. Attackers would need to identify the exact RPC endpoints that process user-supplied arguments and craft payloads that exceed the allocated buffer space, causing the stack to overflow and potentially redirect execution flow to malicious code. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations using Novell Client 4.91 SP4 should consider implementing network segmentation and RPC interface restrictions as immediate mitigations. The recommended remediation includes applying Novell's official patches and updates, disabling unnecessary RPC services, and implementing proper input validation controls to prevent buffer overflow conditions. Additionally, monitoring for unusual RPC traffic patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in network services, particularly those handling remote communications and user-supplied data.