CVE-2010-2891 in libsmi
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the smiGetNode function in lib/smi.c in libsmi 0.4.8 allows context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via an Object Identifier (aka OID) represented as a numerical string containing many components separated by . (dot) characters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2891 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the libsmi library version 0.4.8, specifically within the smiGetNode function located in lib/smi.c. This library serves as a crucial component for handling SNMP Management Information Base (MIB) files and is widely utilized in network management applications and systems. The flaw arises when processing Object Identifiers that are represented as numerical strings containing numerous components separated by dot characters, creating a scenario where attacker-controlled input can trigger memory corruption. The buffer overflow occurs due to insufficient bounds checking when parsing these OID strings, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic stack-based buffer overflow pattern where the smiGetNode function fails to properly validate the length of input OID strings before copying them into fixed-size buffers. When an attacker provides an OID with an excessive number of components separated by dots, the parsing logic does not adequately constrain the memory allocation or input processing, leading to a situation where the buffer can be overwritten beyond its allocated boundaries. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration as a fundamental memory safety issue. The vulnerability's context-dependent nature means that exploitation requires specific conditions where the application processes attacker-controlled OID data, typically during MIB parsing operations in SNMP management systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly across network infrastructure and management systems that rely on libsmi for SNMP operations. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise, unauthorized access to network management data, or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability affects systems where libsmi is integrated into SNMP agents, managers, or any application that parses MIB files containing user-supplied OID data. This includes enterprise network management systems, monitoring tools, and network security applications that depend on proper OID handling. The attack vector requires the target application to process malicious OID strings, making it particularly dangerous in environments where SNMP data is processed from untrusted sources or where MIB files are downloaded from external repositories without proper validation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2891 should focus on immediate library updates to versions that address the buffer overflow issue, as well as implementing input validation measures at application boundaries. System administrators should prioritize patching affected installations and monitoring for potential exploitation attempts through unusual SNMP traffic patterns. The implementation of proper bounds checking and input sanitization within applications that utilize libsmi can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of systems that process untrusted OID data, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS to reduce attack surface. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify other potential buffer overflow vulnerabilities in similar network management libraries and ensure comprehensive protection against similar exploitation vectors.