CVE-2010-2028 in TFTPUtil GUI
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in k23productions TFTPUtil GUI (aka TFTPGUI) 1.4.5 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long transport mode.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2028 affects k23productions TFTPUtil GUI version 1.4.5, a graphical user interface implementation for TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) operations. This flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to compromise system integrity and availability. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes a transport mode parameter that exceeds the allocated buffer size, creating an opportunity for malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory regions. The affected software operates within the TFTP protocol context, which is commonly used for network booting and firmware updates in enterprise environments, making it a potentially significant security concern for organizations relying on TFTP services.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs in the handling of transport mode parameters within the TFTPUtil GUI application. When a remote attacker sends a specially crafted request containing an excessively long transport mode string, the application fails to properly validate input length before copying data into a fixed-size buffer. This programming error directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows memory corruption. The flaw exists at the application layer where user-supplied input is processed without adequate sanitization, creating a path for attackers to manipulate program execution flow through memory overwrite techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices that are commonly exploited in network-based attacks targeting client-side applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2028 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable remote code execution, making it a critical security concern for affected systems. The crash conditions can be leveraged by attackers to cause system instability and service disruption, while the potential for arbitrary code execution opens possibilities for complete system compromise. This vulnerability affects systems where TFTPUtil GUI is deployed as a client-side tool for network file operations, particularly in environments where network administrators rely on this utility for managing network devices and firmware updates. The attack vector requires remote access to the vulnerable application, making it exploitable from outside the local network perimeter and increasing the potential impact across enterprise networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected TFTPUtil GUI application to version 1.4.6 or later, which contains the necessary buffer overflow protections. Network administrators should implement restrictive access controls to limit exposure of the vulnerable application to untrusted networks, while also monitoring for suspicious TFTP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210, which covers exploitation of remote services, and represents a common attack pattern where buffer overflows are leveraged for privilege escalation and persistent access. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict TFTP service access to authorized users only, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other network utilities and client applications.