CVE-2008-0445 in elog
Summary
by MITRE
The replace_inline_img function in elogd in Electronic Logbook (ELOG) before 2.7.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via crafted logbook entries. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0445 affects the Electronic Logbook (ELOG) system, specifically targeting the replace_inline_img function within the elogd daemon component. This issue represents a classic denial of service vulnerability that can be exploited remotely by attackers to disrupt system operations. The Electronic Logbook is a web-based system commonly used for logging and managing operational data in industrial and scientific environments, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on continuous monitoring and logging capabilities.
The technical flaw resides in the replace_inline_img function which processes logbook entries containing inline images. When malformed or specially crafted logbook entries are submitted to the system, the function enters an infinite loop during processing, consuming excessive system resources and rendering the service unavailable to legitimate users. This behavior stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the image replacement logic, where the system fails to properly sanitize or limit the processing of malformed image references in log entries. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by any remote attacker with access to the logbook system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can potentially cause complete system unavailability and affect critical operational workflows. Organizations using ELOG systems for monitoring and logging operations may experience significant downtime, with the infinite loop consuming CPU cycles and memory resources until the system becomes unresponsive or requires manual intervention. This type of denial of service attack can be particularly damaging in industrial control systems, scientific laboratories, or any environment where continuous logging and monitoring are essential for operational safety and compliance. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor defensive programming practices that could potentially be exploited in combination with other weaknesses to achieve more severe impacts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0445 should focus on immediate software updates to ELOG versions 2.7.1 and later, which contain the necessary patches to address the infinite loop condition in the replace_inline_img function. Organizations should also implement input validation measures at the application level to sanitize logbook entries before processing, particularly those containing image references or embedded content. Network-level protections such as rate limiting and content filtering can provide additional defense in depth. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-835, which addresses infinite loops or iterations in software systems, and could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for endpoint denial of service. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar input validation issues in other components of the system, as the underlying architectural flaw in improper input handling suggests potential for similar vulnerabilities in related functions.