CVE-2011-3179 in GroupWise Messenger
Summary
by MITRE
The server process in Novell Messenger 2.1 and 2.2.x before 2.2.1, and Novell GroupWise Messenger 2.04 and earlier, allows remote attackers to read from arbitrary memory locations via a crafted command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3179 represents a critical memory corruption issue affecting Novell Messenger and Novell GroupWise Messenger implementations. This flaw exists within the server process of these messaging applications, specifically in versions prior to the security patches released in 2011. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or validate commands received from remote clients, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit memory access patterns.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions where programs access memory locations beyond the intended boundaries. Attackers can craft specific malicious commands that, when processed by the vulnerable server, trigger unauthorized memory reads. This occurs because the server process does not implement proper bounds checking or input sanitization before executing operations on user-provided data. The flaw essentially allows remote attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially extract sensitive information from the application's memory space, including confidential data, session tokens, or system credentials.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for organizations relying on these messaging platforms. The remote exploitation capability means attackers can potentially access the system without requiring local access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where these applications are deployed. Successful exploitation could lead to data breaches, privilege escalation, or further network reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability affects both Novell Messenger 2.1 and 2.2.x versions before 2.2.1, as well as Novell GroupWise Messenger 2.04 and earlier releases, indicating a widespread impact across multiple product lines.
The attack vector for this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for command and script injection, where attackers craft malicious inputs to manipulate application behavior. Additionally, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1005 for data from local system, as the memory read operations could potentially expose sensitive information stored in the application's memory. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through patch management processes, ensuring all affected systems receive the appropriate security updates. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, while access controls should be reviewed to minimize potential impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper memory management practices in server applications, reinforcing industry best practices outlined in standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for secure coding practices.