CVE-2008-3169 in Empire Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple heap-based buffer overflows in Empire Server before 4.3.15 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, related to a "coordinate normalization bug." NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3169 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow issue affecting Empire Server versions prior to 4.3.15. This flaw resides within the coordinate normalization functionality of the server software, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system through unspecified vectors that leverage memory corruption techniques. The vulnerability's classification as heap-based indicates that the buffer overflow occurs in the heap memory segment rather than stack memory, making it particularly dangerous as heap corruption can lead to unpredictable behavior including arbitrary code execution or complete system compromise. The coordinate normalization bug suggests that the software fails to properly validate or sanitize coordinate data inputs during processing, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow condition where insufficient bounds checking occurs during coordinate data handling. When Empire Server processes coordinate information, the normalization routines fail to properly validate input sizes, allowing attackers to overflow allocated memory buffers and potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a fundamental flaw in memory management practices. The attack vector is remote, meaning that adversaries can exploit this weakness without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for server environments. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors in the original description suggests that multiple pathways may exist for exploitation, potentially including different coordinate formats or processing sequences that all lead to the same underlying buffer overflow condition.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3169 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable complete system compromise. A successful exploitation could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Empire Server process, which typically runs with elevated permissions. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on Empire Server for critical operations, as the vulnerability could serve as a gateway for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The potential for denial of service represents a direct threat to business continuity, while the arbitrary code execution capability could lead to data breaches, system compromise, or complete network infiltration. The vulnerability's presence in server software means that organizations could face widespread impact across their operational environments, particularly in scenarios where the server handles sensitive coordinate data or serves as a central component in geographic information systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of patches or updates to Empire Server versions 4.3.15 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for the coordinate normalization bug. The mitigation strategy should also include network-level protections such as firewall rules that limit access to the affected server and monitoring systems that can detect anomalous coordinate data patterns. Security teams should implement input validation controls and consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for execution, and T1499, which addresses endpoint denial of service. The remediation process should involve comprehensive testing of the patched software to ensure that the coordinate normalization functionality operates correctly without introducing new vulnerabilities. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their Empire Server deployments to identify any additional systems that might be vulnerable to similar coordinate-based buffer overflow conditions.