CVE-2009-3859 in Retina WiFi Scanner
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in eEye Retina WiFi Scanner 1.0.8.68, as used in Retina Network Security Scanner 5.10.14, allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or execute arbitrary code via a .rws file with a long RWS010 entry.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3859 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within eEye Retina WiFi Scanner version 1.0.8.68, which is integrated into the broader Retina Network Security Scanner 5.10.14 product line. This security weakness specifically manifests when the application processes specially crafted .rws files containing an excessively long RWS010 entry, creating a scenario where attacker-controlled input can overwrite adjacent memory regions beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking mechanisms within the file parsing routine responsible for handling Retina Scanner Workspace files, which are commonly used to store scan configurations and results. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-121, classified as Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where the buffer overflow occurs in a stack-based buffer, and potentially CWE-122, Heap-based Buffer Overflow, if heap memory allocation is involved in the processing chain. The vulnerability falls within the ATT&CK framework under the T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution technique category, as it enables remote code execution through manipulation of application input files.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious .rws file containing an oversized RWS010 entry that exceeds the allocated buffer space during parsing operations. When the vulnerable scanner application attempts to process this malformed file, the excessive data causes memory corruption that can result in either application crash or more severely, arbitrary code execution within the context of the running scanner process. The buffer overflow occurs because the application does not properly validate the length of the RWS010 entry before copying it into a fixed-size buffer, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data structures. This vulnerability demonstrates a classic stack overflow scenario where the attacker can manipulate the program's execution flow by overwriting the return address on the stack, potentially leading to remote code execution if proper exploit mitigation controls are not in place. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service as the vulnerability can be leveraged for privilege escalation if the scanner process runs with elevated permissions, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise network security environments where these scanners typically operate with administrative privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-3859 within network security operations is severe and multifaceted, particularly affecting organizations that rely on Retina Network Security Scanner for vulnerability assessment and penetration testing activities. When exploited, this vulnerability can compromise the integrity and availability of critical security infrastructure, as the scanner itself becomes a potential attack vector rather than a defensive tool. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to sensitive network information, potential data exfiltration, or complete system compromise if attackers successfully leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code on the scanner host. The user-assisted nature of this attack means that the vulnerability can be triggered through social engineering or phishing campaigns where users might unknowingly open malicious .rws files, making it particularly insidious in environments where security awareness training is inadequate. Additionally, the vulnerability's presence in a widely used network security scanner product creates a cascading risk where a single compromised scanner can potentially provide attackers with access to multiple network segments or serve as a pivot point for further attacks within the enterprise network. The vulnerability's exploitation directly violates the principle of least privilege and can undermine the trust model that security tools are designed to maintain, as the very tools meant to protect the network become potential entry points for attackers. Organizations should consider implementing immediate mitigations including file validation, network segmentation, and application whitelisting to prevent exploitation while planning for proper vendor patches and upgrades to address the root cause of the buffer overflow vulnerability.