CVE-2010-4323 in ZENworks Configuration Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in novell-tftp.exe in Novell ZENworks Configuration Manager (ZCM) 10.3.1, 10.3.2, and 11.0, and earlier versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long TFTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-4323 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the novell-tftp.exe component of Novell ZENworks Configuration Manager versions 10.3.1, 10.3.2, and 11.0, along with earlier releases. This flaw exists within the Trivial File Transfer Protocol implementation that is part of the ZENworks configuration management suite, which is widely used for managing and deploying software across enterprise networks. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation when processing TFTP requests, creating a condition where an attacker can manipulate memory allocation and execution flow through crafted malicious requests.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses heap-based buffer overflows where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw occurs when the novell-tftp.exe process receives a malformed TFTP request containing an excessive amount of data that exceeds the allocated buffer size in heap memory. This condition enables attackers to corrupt the heap structure and potentially overwrite critical program data, function pointers, or return addresses, thereby allowing for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates over a network protocol commonly used for legitimate file transfers, making detection and prevention more challenging.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to enterprise environments that utilize Novell ZENworks Configuration Manager, as it allows remote code execution without authentication. Attackers can exploit this weakness from any network location to gain control over systems running vulnerable versions of the software, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond individual systems to entire network infrastructures, as compromised TFTP servers can serve as entry points for lateral movement and privilege escalation attacks. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210, which covers exploitation of remote services, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter usage for persistence and execution.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches and updates for ZENworks Configuration Manager, particularly versions that address the heap overflow condition in the TFTP implementation. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to TFTP services, limiting exposure to only authorized network segments. Additionally, monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous TFTP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches for enterprise management tools, as these components often serve as critical infrastructure points that attackers target for persistent access. System administrators should also consider disabling TFTP services when not required, as this reduces the attack surface and mitigates potential exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other components.