CVE-2010-2310 in TFTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
SolarWinds TFTP Server 10.4.0.13 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a long write request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2310 affects SolarWinds TFTP Server version 10.4.0.13, presenting a significant denial of service risk that can be exploited by remote attackers. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the server's handling of write requests, specifically when processing overly long data segments. The flaw operates at the protocol level where TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) server components fail to properly validate the length of incoming write requests before processing them, creating an exploitable condition that can lead to complete service disruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the server's memory management and buffer handling mechanisms. When a remote attacker sends a write request containing an excessive amount of data or malformed parameters, the TFTP server processes this input without proper bounds checking, leading to buffer overflows or memory corruption conditions. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The server's failure to implement proper input sanitization creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations, ultimately causing the application to crash and terminate its service operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service interruption, as it represents a critical weakness in network infrastructure management tools. Organizations relying on SolarWinds TFTP Server for network operations face potential disruptions to their network management capabilities, particularly in environments where automated file transfers and configuration management depend on TFTP functionality. The remote exploit nature means that attackers do not require local access or credentials, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged from any network position with access to the server's TFTP port. This characteristic places the vulnerability within ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and T1566.001, covering spearphishing via email, as attackers might use this vulnerability as part of broader network compromise operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2310 should include immediate deployment of vendor patches or updates to the SolarWinds TFTP Server software, as well as network-level protections such as firewall rules that restrict access to the TFTP service to trusted networks only. Implementing proper input validation and length checking mechanisms within the server configuration can help prevent malformed requests from causing crashes. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual TFTP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious TFTP write request patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and buffer management in server applications, serving as a reminder of the critical need for robust security practices in network infrastructure tools that operate with elevated privileges and handle sensitive data transfers.