CVE-2008-1802 in rdesktop
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the process_redirect_pdu (rdp.c) function in rdesktop 1.5.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) redirect request with modified length fields.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1802 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the rdesktop remote desktop client version 1.5.0. This issue specifically affects the process_redirect_pdu function located in the rdp.c source file, which handles Remote Desktop Protocol redirect requests. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation when processing length fields in RDP redirect packets, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of rdesktop.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the RDP protocol processing logic. When rdesktop receives a redirect request containing modified length fields, the process_redirect_pdu function fails to adequately validate the size parameters before attempting to copy data into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling code execution. The flaw operates at the protocol level where legitimate RDP redirect functionality is exploited to deliver malicious payloads, making detection more challenging as the attack appears to originate from normal RDP operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security implications for organizations relying on rdesktop for remote desktop connections. Attackers can exploit this flaw remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where RDP services are exposed to untrusted networks. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected rdesktop process. The vulnerability affects systems where rdesktop 1.5.0 is installed and actively processing RDP redirect requests, potentially impacting enterprise environments, remote access scenarios, and any deployment utilizing this specific version of the remote desktop client.
The security implications of CVE-2008-1802 align with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions in stack-based buffers, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1203 for legitimate program exploitation. Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected rdesktop installations to version 1.5.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to RDP services, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous redirect packet patterns. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed RDP redirect requests and maintain up-to-date vulnerability management processes to prevent similar issues in other components of their remote access infrastructure.
This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in protocol implementations and highlights the risks associated with legacy software versions. The flaw serves as a reminder of how seemingly minor protocol handling issues can result in critical security breaches, particularly when dealing with remote access protocols that are frequently targeted by attackers. Organizations should prioritize regular security updates and maintain comprehensive vulnerability assessment programs to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited in real-world scenarios.