CVE-2008-0122 in BIND
Summary
by MITRE
Off-by-one error in the inet_network function in libbind in ISC BIND 9.4.2 and earlier, as used in libc in FreeBSD 6.2 through 7.0-PRERELEASE, allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via crafted input that triggers memory corruption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0122 represents a critical off-by-one error within the inet_network function of ISC BIND 9.4.2 and earlier versions. This flaw exists in the networking library component that is widely used across various operating systems including FreeBSD versions 6.2 through 7.0-PRERELEASE. The issue manifests as a memory corruption vulnerability that can be exploited through context-dependent attacker input, making it particularly dangerous in environments where external network input is processed. The vulnerability stems from improper boundary checking in the function that handles network address parsing, creating a scenario where buffer overflows can occur when processing malformed input data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the inet_network function failing to properly validate input boundaries during network address conversion operations. When crafted malicious input is processed, the function's boundary checking mechanisms are bypassed, leading to memory corruption that can result in program crashes or more severe exploitation opportunities. This type of error falls under the CWE-129 vulnerability category, which specifically addresses improper handling of buffer boundaries in software implementations. The flaw is particularly concerning because it can be leveraged to cause denial of service conditions through system crashes, while simultaneously providing potential pathways for arbitrary code execution.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability affects systems running affected versions of ISC BIND and FreeBSD implementations where network services are exposed to untrusted input. The context-dependent nature of the attack means that exploitation requires specific conditions where the vulnerable function processes malicious input, typically through network services or applications that rely on the affected library. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to crash network services, potentially leading to complete system availability loss, or in more sophisticated exploitation scenarios, achieve remote code execution. The attack surface is particularly broad given that BIND is a widely deployed DNS resolution library used across numerous network infrastructure components and applications.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0122 primarily involve upgrading to patched versions of ISC BIND and FreeBSD systems, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases through proper boundary checking implementations. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and input validation measures to reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation opportunities. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for suspicious patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts can provide early detection capabilities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210, which covers exploitation of remote services through memory corruption vulnerabilities, and represents a classic example of how fundamental library flaws can create widespread security implications across entire operating system ecosystems. Regular security updates and patch management processes become critical in preventing exploitation of such foundational vulnerabilities that affect core networking components.