CVE-2010-4299 in Zenworks Handheld Management
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in ZfHIPCND.exe in Novell Zenworks 7 Handheld Management (ZHM) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted request to TCP port 2400.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4299 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the ZfHIPCND.exe component of Novell Zenworks 7 Handheld Management, a widely deployed mobile device management solution. This flaw exists within the communication protocol handling mechanism that processes incoming requests on TCP port 2400, which serves as the primary interface for handheld device management operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management practices within the ZfHIPCND.exe process, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through malformed network traffic.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic heap overflow scenario where attacker-controlled data exceeds the bounds of allocated memory buffers within the ZfHIPCND.exe process. When a remote attacker sends a specially crafted request to the vulnerable TCP port 2400, the application fails to properly validate the size or content of the incoming data, allowing the overflow to occur in heap memory regions. This condition enables attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program structures or injecting malicious code that can be executed with the privileges of the affected service. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and specifically manifests as a memory corruption issue that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4299 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for broader network compromise within environments relying on Novell Zenworks 7 Handheld Management. Organizations using this platform face significant risk since the vulnerability can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where handheld devices communicate directly with management servers. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that TCP port 2400 is often exposed to external networks, especially in enterprise environments where mobile device management systems interface with various network segments. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1203, Exploitation for Execution, and T1071, Application Layer Protocol, as it exploits a network service to achieve remote code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4299 require immediate implementation of network segmentation and access control measures to restrict access to TCP port 2400, particularly from untrusted networks. Organizations should implement firewall rules to limit exposure of the vulnerable service to only trusted internal networks and establish monitoring for anomalous traffic patterns on port 2400. The most effective remediation involves applying the official security patches provided by Novell, which address the underlying buffer overflow conditions through proper input validation and memory management practices. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish network access controls to prevent unauthorized access to the vulnerable management interface. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any similar issues within the broader Zenworks ecosystem, as this vulnerability may indicate potential weaknesses in the overall application architecture that could lead to additional security concerns.