CVE-2008-4193 in SecurityGateway
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in SecurityGateway.dll in Alt-N Technologies SecurityGateway 1.0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long username parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4193 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the SecurityGateway.dll component of Alt-N Technologies SecurityGateway version 1.0.1. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of user input during authentication processes, specifically when processing username parameters. The flaw manifests when an attacker submits a username parameter exceeding the allocated buffer space, causing a stack overflow condition that can potentially be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when data is copied to a stack buffer without proper bounds checking, leading to overwrite of adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to gain unauthorized execution privileges on the target system. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious username inputs that exceed the buffer capacity, thereby overwriting the stack frame and redirecting program execution flow to malicious code. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication to initiate the exploit, making it a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited from any network location. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting weaknesses in software to gain code execution capabilities, and demonstrates the severe implications of insufficient input validation in security-critical applications.
System compromise through this vulnerability can result in complete control over the affected SecurityGateway server, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive network resources, escalate privileges, or establish persistent backdoors. The stack overflow condition creates an opportunity for attackers to inject shellcode directly into the program execution flow, bypassing standard security measures and operating system protections. Organizations using Alt-N Technologies SecurityGateway 1.0.1 are particularly at risk as this vulnerability affects core authentication functionality, potentially allowing unauthorized access to network security controls and sensitive data processing capabilities. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated, making it a significant threat vector for both targeted attacks and opportunistic exploitation attempts. Mitigation efforts should focus on immediate patch deployment, input validation implementation, and network segmentation to limit potential impact, while also implementing proper application monitoring to detect anomalous authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.