CVE-2008-4726 in GoodTech SSH
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the SFTP subsystem in GoodTech SSH 6.4 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a long string to the (1) open (aka SSH_FXP_OPEN), (2) unlink, (3) opendir, and other unspecified parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4726 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the SFTP subsystem of GoodTech SSH 6.4 software. This flaw exists in the handling of specific SFTP protocol operations that manage file access and directory operations, creating a significant security risk for systems utilizing this version of the SSH implementation. The vulnerability specifically affects authenticated remote users who can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the SFTP subsystem's processing of file operations. When the SSH server receives SFTP requests containing the SSH_FXP_OPEN command for file opening, SSH_FXP_UNLINK for file deletion, SSH_FXP_OPENDIR for directory operations, or other unspecified parameters, the software fails to properly validate the length of incoming data strings. This inadequate bounds checking allows attackers to provide excessively long strings that exceed the allocated stack buffer space, causing a buffer overflow condition. The overflow corrupts adjacent memory locations, potentially overwriting return addresses and control data structures, which enables attackers to redirect program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway for privilege escalation and persistent access to compromised systems. Attackers can craft malicious SFTP requests containing oversized parameter strings to trigger the buffer overflow, potentially leading to remote code execution with the privileges of the SSH service account. This vulnerability affects the core SFTP functionality of GoodTech SSH 6.4, making it particularly dangerous as it operates within the legitimate file access and management protocols that are commonly used in enterprise environments. The authentication requirement reduces the attack surface compared to unauthenticated vulnerabilities, but the potential for privilege escalation and lateral movement makes it a serious concern for system administrators.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and aligns with multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in network services and highlights the risks associated with legacy software implementations that may not have received adequate security updates. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, implement network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitor for suspicious SFTP activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability underscores the necessity of maintaining current security practices and avoiding deployment of software versions that have known security flaws, particularly in critical infrastructure environments where the impact of such vulnerabilities can be catastrophic.