CVE-2008-1167 in Squid Analysis Report Generator
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the useragent function in useragent.c in Squid Analysis Report Generator (Sarg) 2.2.3.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long Squid proxy server User-Agent header. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1167 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Squid Analysis Report Generator Sarg version 2.2.3.1. This issue specifically affects the useragent function located in the useragent.c source file, which processes User-Agent headers received from Squid proxy servers during log analysis operations. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking when handling user-supplied data, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic stack buffer overflow scenario where the useragent function fails to properly validate the length of incoming User-Agent headers. When a maliciously crafted header exceeds the allocated buffer space, it overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and allowing an attacker to overwrite return addresses and function pointers. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental weakness in software design that permits attackers to execute arbitrary code through memory corruption. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no local privileges and can be executed remotely through the standard HTTP User-Agent header field that is commonly transmitted by web browsers and other HTTP clients.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to completely compromise systems running vulnerable versions of Sarg. Since Sarg is designed to analyze Squid proxy server logs and generate reports, the attack surface includes any system that processes these logs, potentially affecting web infrastructure monitoring and security analysis systems. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this flaw from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access or authentication credentials. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python, as Sarg typically operates using scripting languages that can be manipulated through the buffer overflow to execute malicious commands. Additionally, the vulnerability relates to T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as successful exploitation could lead to elevated system privileges and persistent access to the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1167 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the latest version of Sarg that addresses this buffer overflow vulnerability. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malformed User-Agent headers, while also considering application firewalls that can filter suspicious HTTP requests. The remediation process should include thorough vulnerability scanning of all systems running Sarg versions prior to 2.2.3.2, followed by immediate deployment of the patched software. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing input validation measures at the network level to sanitize User-Agent headers before they reach the Sarg application, and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments should be conducted to ensure that similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities are not present in other components of the web infrastructure stack, as this type of flaw remains a prevalent issue in legacy applications and can lead to significant security breaches when not properly addressed through comprehensive patch management and input validation protocols.