CVE-2010-0553 in Geo++ GNCASTER
Summary
by MITRE
Geo++ GNCASTER 1.4.0.7 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long NMEA data sentence.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2026
The Geo++ GNCASTER software version 1.4.0.7 and earlier contains a critical buffer overflow vulnerability that affects the processing of NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association) data sentences. This vulnerability exists within the application's input validation mechanisms, specifically when handling malformed or excessively long NMEA data sequences. The flaw represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition that can be exploited by authenticated remote attackers who possess valid credentials to the system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during the parsing of NMEA sentences, which are commonly used in marine navigation and positioning systems to transmit data about vessel position, speed, and other critical information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate the length of incoming NMEA data before attempting to store it in a fixed-size buffer. When a maliciously crafted NMEA sentence exceeds the allocated buffer space, the overflow occurs, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. This condition can lead to unpredictable application behavior, including immediate application crash and termination, which constitutes a denial of service attack. However, the vulnerability's potential for arbitrary code execution arises from the possibility that the overflow may allow an attacker to overwrite the instruction pointer or other critical execution control structures, thereby enabling code injection attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the CWE top 25 most dangerous software weaknesses and represents a fundamental security flaw that has been exploited in numerous high-profile incidents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Remote authenticated attackers can leverage this weakness to either deny service to legitimate users by crashing the application or gain unauthorized access to execute malicious code with the privileges of the running process. In marine navigation contexts, this vulnerability could have severe consequences as it may affect critical positioning and navigation systems used for maritime safety and commercial operations. The attack vector requires only authenticated access, making it particularly concerning as it can be exploited by insiders or compromised legitimate users. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the GNCASTER application, which is designed to process and display real-time navigation data, making any successful exploitation potentially catastrophic for maritime operations that rely on accurate positioning information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected software versions to address the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and bounds checking. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the GNCASTER application to only authorized personnel and establish robust access control mechanisms. The implementation of input sanitization routines that validate data length and content before processing can prevent the exploitation of similar buffer overflow conditions. Additionally, monitoring and logging of NMEA data processing activities should be enhanced to detect anomalous data patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation. Security hardening measures such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and non-executable stack protections should be considered as additional defensive layers. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to industry standards like those recommended in the ATT&CK framework for preventing exploitation of buffer overflow vulnerabilities. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of embedded systems and navigation software to identify and remediate similar weaknesses that may exist in other components of their maritime operations infrastructure.