CVE-2010-3844 in Ettercap
Summary
by MITRE
An unchecked sscanf() call in ettercap 0.7.3 allows an insecure temporary settings file to overflow a static-sized buffer on the stack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3844 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within ettercap version 0.7.3 that stems from improper input validation during temporary file processing. This issue manifests when the application handles insecure temporary settings files, creating a scenario where unvalidated data can overwrite predetermined stack buffer boundaries. The root cause lies in the use of sscanf() function without adequate bounds checking, a common pattern that violates fundamental security principles for input sanitization and memory management. The flaw specifically affects the application's handling of temporary configuration files that may be manipulated by unauthorized users, creating a potential attack vector for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple security domains including buffer overflow exploitation, temporary file handling, and privilege escalation techniques. The insecure temporary settings file mechanism allows attackers to craft malicious input that triggers the unchecked sscanf() call, leading to stack buffer corruption that can be exploited to overwrite return addresses and execute arbitrary code. The static buffer sizing creates a deterministic attack surface where attackers can precisely control the overflow magnitude to achieve their desired malicious outcomes. This flaw particularly impacts network reconnaissance and man-in-the-middle attack capabilities that ettercap is designed to support, making it a significant concern for security professionals who rely on the tool for network analysis and penetration testing activities.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3844 extends beyond simple buffer overflow consequences to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to network traffic. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability can allow attackers to execute code with the privileges of the ettercap process, potentially leading to complete system compromise or unauthorized network monitoring. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where ettercap is run with elevated privileges, as it could enable attackers to gain root access to compromised systems. Network administrators and security professionals using ettercap for legitimate security testing purposes must consider this vulnerability as a critical risk that could be exploited by adversaries to undermine network security posture and compromise sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3844 should focus on immediate patching of the affected ettercap version and implementation of proper input validation measures. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of ettercap that addresses the unchecked sscanf() call and implements proper buffer size validation. Organizations should also implement temporary measures such as restricting temporary file permissions, disabling insecure temporary file handling, and monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution, as well as T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The flaw demonstrates a classic CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow pattern that requires careful attention to input validation and memory management practices. Security teams should implement comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized temporary file modifications and establish secure coding practices that prevent similar vulnerabilities in other network security tools.