CVE-2008-1403 in TFTPD
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the TFTP server in BootManage TFTPD 1.99 and earlier in BootManage Administrator 7.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a request with a long filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1403 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Trivial File Transfer Protocol server component of BootManage TFTPD versions 1.99 and earlier, as well as in BootManage Administrator versions 7.1 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the handling of filename parameters within TFTP requests, where the software fails to properly validate the length of incoming filename data before processing it. The flaw occurs when a remote attacker sends a specially crafted TFTP request containing an excessively long filename parameter, which exceeds the allocated buffer space on the stack, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in software development where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses and control data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with the ability to gain arbitrary code execution on systems running vulnerable versions of BootManage TFTPD or Administrator software. This means that an attacker could potentially take full control of the affected server, install malware, modify system files, or use the compromised system as a pivot point to attack other network resources. The attack vector requires only a remote TFTP client connection, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access or authentication. The vulnerability affects network infrastructure devices that rely on TFTP for firmware updates or configuration file transfers, which are commonly found in enterprise environments, network management systems, and embedded devices. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1195.001 (Supply Chain Compromise) and T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell) as attackers could use the compromised system to execute commands or deploy additional malware.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1403 should include immediate patching of all affected BootManage products to versions that properly validate filename lengths and implement proper buffer boundary checking. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate TFTP services from critical network segments and restrict TFTP access to only trusted IP addresses through firewall rules. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual TFTP traffic patterns or unusually long filename requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be applied by running TFTP services with minimal required permissions and ensuring that the service account has no unnecessary administrative rights. System administrators should also consider disabling TFTP services entirely if they are not required for business operations, as TFTP lacks authentication and encryption features that make it inherently insecure. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify other potential buffer overflow vulnerabilities in legacy systems, particularly those that have not received updates in several years. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of legacy software systems that may not have been designed with modern security considerations in mind, particularly given that TFTP was originally designed in the 1970s without security features that are standard in modern protocols.