CVE-2009-0693 in Wyse Device Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in Wyse Device Manager (WDM) 4.7.x allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) the User-Agent HTTP header to hserver.dll or (2) unspecified input to hagent.exe.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0693 represents a critical security flaw in Wyse Device Manager version 4.7.x that exposes multiple buffer overflow conditions capable of enabling remote code execution. This vulnerability affects the core components of the device management system, specifically targeting the hserver.dll and hagent.exe modules that handle network communications and device agent operations. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within these components, creating exploitable conditions where malicious actors can craft specially crafted HTTP requests or input data to trigger memory corruption. The buffer overflow conditions occur when the system processes user-supplied data without proper bounds checking, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves two distinct attack vectors that exploit different modules within the Wyse Device Manager architecture. The first vector targets the hserver.dll component through manipulation of the User-Agent HTTP header, which is commonly used by web servers to identify client software. When the server processes this header without adequate validation, it creates an opportunity for attackers to overflow the allocated buffer space and potentially overwrite critical program execution pointers. The second vector operates through unspecified input processing within hagent.exe, which likely handles device communication protocols and agent management functions. Both attack vectors leverage the fundamental principle of buffer overflow exploitation where insufficient memory bounds checking allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the affected processes.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe threat landscape for organizations relying on Wyse Device Manager for device management and monitoring. Remote attackers who successfully exploit these buffer overflows can gain unauthorized access to the device management infrastructure, potentially escalating privileges and executing malicious code with the same permissions as the vulnerable application. The implications extend beyond simple code execution to include potential data breaches, system compromise, and disruption of device management operations. Organizations may experience unauthorized device access, configuration changes, and the possibility of establishing persistent backdoors within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the device management system, potentially leading to widespread operational disruptions and security incidents.
The security implications of CVE-2009-0693 align with common attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly within the execution and privilege escalation domains. The vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. These classifications indicate that the vulnerability exists in memory management functions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate memory layout. The exploitability of this vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the cyber kill chain, where initial access is achieved through the buffer overflow exploitation followed by command execution and potentially lateral movement within the network. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, access controls, and regular patch management to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and secure coding practices, as recommended by industry standards including the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, which emphasize the need for robust boundary checking and memory management in application development.