CVE-2008-1611 in Winagents Tftp Server
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in TFTP Server SP 1.4 for Windows allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or execute arbitrary code via a long filename in a read or write request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1611 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the TFTP Server SP 1.4 implementation for Windows operating systems. This vulnerability resides in the handling of filename parameters within TFTP read and write requests, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system through malformed input sequences. The TFTP protocol, designed for simple file transfer operations, typically operates on UDP port 69 and is commonly used in network boot environments, router configurations, and embedded systems where minimal file transfer capabilities are required. The specific implementation flaw occurs when the server processes incoming requests containing excessively long filenames that exceed the allocated buffer space on the stack, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for malicious purposes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the program stack. When a remote attacker submits a TFTP read or write request containing a filename exceeding the predetermined buffer capacity, the server's memory management fails to properly validate the input length, causing a stack overflow condition. This overflow can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack variables, potentially allowing attackers to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability's exploitation capability extends beyond simple denial of service to include arbitrary code execution, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where TFTP servers are accessible to untrusted parties.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1611 manifests in both immediate availability and long-term security consequences for affected systems. Organizations utilizing TFTP Server SP 1.4 may experience complete service disruption through denial of service attacks, rendering critical network infrastructure inaccessible to legitimate users. More concerning is the potential for remote code execution, which could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems, escalate privileges, and establish persistent backdoors within network environments. This vulnerability particularly affects network infrastructure devices that rely on TFTP for configuration management, firmware updates, and boot operations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise network-wide operations. The attack surface is broadened by the protocol's common use in embedded systems, routers, and network switches where TFTP functionality is often enabled by default without proper security hardening.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from system administrators to address the root cause through proper patch management and configuration hardening. The most effective solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the TFTP Server software that implements proper input validation and buffer size checking mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate TFTP services from critical network segments and employ firewall rules to restrict access to UDP port 69 to trusted sources only. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous TFTP traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while system administrators should consider disabling TFTP services entirely if they are not required for business operations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation, with potential for lateral movement within compromised networks through the use of TFTP for configuration manipulation and system reconnaissance activities.