CVE-2010-1937 in Sblim-sfcb
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in httpAdapter.c in httpAdapter in SBLIM SFCB before 1.3.8 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a Content-Length HTTP header that specifies a value too small for the amount of POST data, aka bug #3001896.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-1937 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow condition within the SBLIM SFCB (Small Footprint CIM Broker) software, specifically within the httpAdapter.c component. This flaw exists in versions prior to 1.3.8 and presents a significant security risk to systems utilizing this CIM (Common Information Model) broker implementation. The vulnerability manifests when processing HTTP POST requests where the Content-Length header contains a value that is insufficient to accommodate the actual amount of data being transmitted in the request body. This discrepancy creates an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations in the heap allocation, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management within the HTTP adapter module of SBLIM SFCB. When the system receives a POST request, it parses the Content-Length header to determine how much data to expect in the request body. However, the implementation fails to properly validate that the specified content length matches the actual data received, creating a scenario where the application allocates a buffer based on the smaller Content-Length value while subsequently reading the full POST data into that insufficiently sized buffer. This fundamental flaw in memory allocation and data handling creates a classic heap overflow condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to manipulate program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to potentially gain full control over the affected system running SBLIM SFCB. Since SFCB serves as a CIM broker implementation, it typically operates with elevated privileges and provides access to system management information and interfaces. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could execute malicious code with the privileges of the SFCB process, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within a network. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without physical access to the target system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments where CIM services are exposed.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack techniques categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) tactics. The flaw represents a classic example of improper input validation where the system fails to properly check bounds before performing memory operations. Organizations using SBLIM SFCB should prioritize immediate patching to version 1.3.8 or later, as this update contains the necessary fixes to properly validate Content-Length headers against actual data received. Additionally, network segmentation, firewall rules restricting access to CIM services, and monitoring for unusual Content-Length header values can serve as mitigating controls while awaiting patch deployment. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper memory management and input validation in server-side applications handling network communications.