CVE-2008-4480 in eDirectory
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in dhost.exe in Novell eDirectory 8.x before 8.8.3, and 8.7.3 before 8.7.3.10 ftf1, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Netware Core Protocol opcode 0x24 message that triggers a calculation error that under-allocates a heap buffer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4480 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in Novell eDirectory's dhost.exe component, affecting versions prior to 8.8.3 and 8.7.3.10 ftf1. This flaw exists within the Netware Core Protocol implementation where the software fails to properly validate buffer allocation calculations when processing opcode 0x24 messages. The vulnerability arises from an under-allocation error in heap buffer management, creating conditions where maliciously crafted network packets can trigger memory corruption. The affected system processes these protocol messages through the dhost.exe service, which serves as the core directory service host for Novell eDirectory implementations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker sends a specially crafted Netware Core Protocol message with opcode 0x24 to a vulnerable eDirectory server. The protocol handler in dhost.exe performs an incorrect calculation during heap buffer allocation, resulting in insufficient memory being allocated for the buffer that should contain the received data. When the actual data exceeds this under-allocated buffer size, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical program structures and execution flow. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite function pointers, return addresses, or other control data structures, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the dhost.exe process.
From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to enterprise directory services infrastructure as it allows remote code execution without authentication requirements. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that eDirectory servers typically operate in network environments where they may be exposed to untrusted network traffic. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations using Novell eDirectory versions that have not been patched, potentially exposing critical identity and access management services to unauthorized access.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Novell eDirectory installations to address this vulnerability. The remediation involves upgrading to Novell eDirectory versions 8.8.3 or 8.7.3.10 ftf1 and later, which contain the necessary fixes for the buffer allocation calculation error. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of eDirectory services to untrusted networks until patches are deployed. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual traffic patterns or attempts to send malformed Netware Core Protocol messages to directory services. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow categories and represents a technique that could be categorized under ATT&CK tactic TA0002 (Execution) and technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell). Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems with signature-based detection for known exploit patterns targeting this specific vulnerability.