CVE-2008-0759 in ExtremeZ-IP File
Summary
by MITRE
ExtremeZ-IP.exe in ExtremeZ-IP File and Print Server 5.1.2x15 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) via an invalid UAM field in a request to the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) service on TCP port 548.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0759 affects ExtremeZ-IP File and Print Server version 5.1.2x15 and earlier implementations, specifically targeting the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) service operating on TCP port 548. This issue represents a classic buffer overflow or input validation flaw that demonstrates the critical importance of proper protocol handling in network services. The vulnerability exists within the ExtremeZ-IP.exe daemon process that manages file sharing and print services for Apple clients, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on AFP-based file access.
The technical flaw manifests when the AFP service receives a malformed request containing an invalid User Authentication Module (UAM) field. This field typically contains authentication parameters required for AFP connections, but when improperly formatted or excessively long, it triggers an unhandled exception in the ExtremeZ-IP daemon. The service fails to properly validate or sanitize the UAM field input before processing, leading to memory corruption that ultimately causes the daemon to crash and restart. This behavior aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite memory regions and cause application instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it provides remote attackers with a reliable method for causing persistent denial of service against file servers. Organizations utilizing AFP services for Macintosh file access would experience immediate service interruption, potentially affecting productivity and business continuity. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local access or credentials to trigger the crash, making it particularly dangerous in network environments where AFP services are exposed to untrusted networks. This scenario represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates how insufficient input validation can create security weaknesses that compromise system availability.
The attack vector for this vulnerability follows established patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1499 category for network denial of service attacks. The exploit requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it attractive to threat actors seeking to disrupt operations. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of file sharing services and demonstrates how network protocols, when improperly implemented, can create attack surfaces that allow simple remote exploitation with significant impact. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to limit exposure of AFP services to untrusted networks and ensure that all network services undergo rigorous security testing for input validation vulnerabilities. The remediation approach involves applying vendor-provided patches or upgrading to versions that properly validate UAM field inputs and implement robust error handling mechanisms to prevent daemon crashes from remote exploitation attempts.