CVE-2011-2903 in tcptrack
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in tcptrack before 1.4.2 might allow attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long command line argument. NOTE: this is only a vulnerability in limited scenarios in which tcptrack is "configured as a handler for other applications." This issue might not qualify for inclusion in CVE.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2903 represents a heap-based buffer overflow in the tcptrack network monitoring tool version 1.4.2 and earlier. This flaw exists within the command line argument processing mechanism of tcptrack, where the application fails to properly validate the length of input parameters passed through the command line interface. The vulnerability specifically manifests when tcptrack is configured to act as a handler for other applications, creating a scenario where malicious input can trigger the overflow condition. According to industry standards such as CWE-121, this vulnerability falls under heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. The operational context of this vulnerability is particularly constrained, as it only presents a significant risk when tcptrack operates in a specific configuration mode where it serves as a handler for external applications, making the attack scenario more limited compared to typical buffer overflow vulnerabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires careful crafting of a long command line argument that exceeds the allocated buffer space within tcptrack's memory management structure. When such an oversized argument is processed, the heap-based buffer overflow occurs, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the tcptrack process. The memory corruption can be leveraged to manipulate program execution flow through stack smashing or return-oriented programming techniques, depending on the target system's memory protection mechanisms. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries might exploit command line argument handling to gain code execution. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious input that not only triggers the buffer overflow but also positions the overwritten memory to redirect execution to attacker-controlled code.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2903 is significant within its limited scope, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of tcptrack. The vulnerability's restricted applicability means it primarily affects environments where tcptrack is intentionally configured as a handler for other applications, which may be uncommon in typical network monitoring deployments. However, in environments where this specific configuration exists, the potential for privilege escalation and persistent access increases substantially. The vulnerability's classification as potentially not qualifying for CVE inclusion reflects the limited attack surface and specific environmental requirements needed for exploitation, though this does not diminish its security implications for affected systems. Organizations using tcptrack in handler mode should consider this vulnerability as a potential threat vector requiring immediate attention and mitigation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2903 focus primarily on updating to tcptrack version 1.4.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to prevent the heap-based buffer overflow condition. System administrators should also implement strict input validation policies for command line arguments, particularly when tcptrack operates in handler mode, by limiting argument length and implementing proper bounds checking. Additional protective measures include running tcptrack with minimal required privileges, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for unusual command line argument patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in network monitoring tools, aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-160 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards for secure software development practices. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting solutions that prevent unauthorized execution of vulnerable binaries, reducing the attack surface for this and similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities.