CVE-2010-0392 in IPSec VPN Client
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in vpnconf.exe in TheGreenBow IPSec VPN Client 4.51.001, 4.65.003, and possibly other versions, allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long OpenScriptAfterUp parameter in a policy (.tgb) file, related to "phase 2."
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0392 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the vpnconf.exe component of TheGreenBow IPSec VPN Client software. This flaw affects versions 4.51.001, 4.65.003, and potentially other iterations of the client software, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this VPN solution. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing a malformed policy file containing an excessively long OpenScriptAfterUp parameter, which is part of the IPSec phase 2 configuration process. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the vpnconf.exe executable, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack through crafted malicious input data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through user-assisted remote attack vectors where an attacker must convince a victim to open a specially crafted policy file containing the malicious OpenScriptAfterUp parameter. This parameter is processed during the IPSec phase 2 negotiation process, which establishes the secure communication channel between the VPN client and server. When the vpnconf.exe application attempts to parse this overly long parameter without proper boundary checks, it overflows the allocated stack buffer and potentially overwrites return addresses and other critical memory segments. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user, typically resulting in full system compromise when the victim opens the malicious policy file.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-0392 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. Organizations using TheGreenBow VPN client software face elevated risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor establishment. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack data. This flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute malicious commands through the compromised client application. The user-assisted nature of the attack requires social engineering components but does not demand highly sophisticated exploitation techniques, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently open malicious policy files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0392 should prioritize immediate software updates from TheGreenBow vendor to address the buffer overflow vulnerability in vpnconf.exe. Organizations must implement strict file validation policies for policy files, particularly those containing OpenScriptAfterUp parameters, and establish robust network monitoring to detect suspicious VPN configuration file handling. Security teams should consider deploying network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation and implement application whitelisting controls to prevent unauthorized execution of the vulnerable vpnconf.exe component. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that all VPN client installations have been patched and that no legacy versions remain in use. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and bounds checking in security-critical applications, particularly those handling user-supplied configuration data, and demonstrates the necessity of maintaining current software versions to protect against known vulnerabilities.