CVE-2008-0693 in Client Billing
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in PQCore.exe in Print Manager Plus 2008 Client Billing and Authentication 7.0.127.16 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (service outage) via a series of long packets to TCP port 48101.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0693 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the PQCore.exe component of Print Manager Plus 2008 Client Billing and Authentication version 7.0.127.16. This vulnerability exists in the network service handling mechanism that processes incoming packets on TCP port 48101, which is designated for client authentication and billing operations within the print management infrastructure. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking in the packet processing routine, allowing malicious actors to exploit the vulnerability through carefully crafted network traffic sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests as a classic stack buffer overflow condition where an attacker can supply input data exceeding the allocated buffer space within the PQCore.exe process memory layout. When the application receives a series of malformed packets containing excessive data payloads, the overflow occurs during packet parsing operations, potentially corrupting adjacent stack memory locations and overwriting critical program execution data. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent stack memory regions, leading to unpredictable program behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors. While the primary effect is service outage through application crash or restart, the nature of stack overflows can sometimes be exploited for arbitrary code execution if proper exploit mitigation techniques are not implemented. The vulnerability affects the core authentication and billing functionality of the print management system, potentially disrupting business operations and creating unauthorized access opportunities. Attackers can leverage this weakness to maintain persistent service disruptions, impacting legitimate users who depend on print services for their workflow operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0693 should prioritize immediate patching of the Print Manager Plus application to the latest available version that addresses the buffer overflow condition. Network segmentation and firewall rule implementation can help restrict access to TCP port 48101 to only trusted sources, reducing the attack surface. The implementation of input validation controls and bounds checking mechanisms within the application code represents a fundamental defensive measure that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.004, which focuses on preventing input validation vulnerabilities. Additionally, monitoring network traffic patterns for unusual packet sizes and sequences on the affected port can provide early detection capabilities. System administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious network activity targeting the vulnerable port, as this vulnerability operates within the realm of network-based attack vectors classified under ATT&CK tactic TA0005, which encompasses defense evasion and privilege escalation techniques.