CVE-2011-3601 in router advertisement daemon
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the process_ra function in the router advertisement daemon (radvd) before 1.8.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (crash) via a negative value in a label_len value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2022
The CVE-2011-3601 vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in the router advertisement daemon radvd version 1.8.2 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the process_ra function within the daemon responsible for handling router advertisement messages in IPv6 networks. The flaw manifests when the daemon processes incoming router advertisement packets containing malformed label_len values that are negative integers. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the processing logic, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory layout through crafted packet payloads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic buffer overflow scenario where the negative label_len value is used as a loop counter or array index without proper validation. When the radvd daemon attempts to process this malformed data, it allocates memory or iterates through arrays based on the negative value, causing memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of flaw falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and specifically relates to CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The vulnerability directly impacts the daemon's memory management and can lead to arbitrary code execution or complete daemon crash.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to IPv6 network infrastructure since radvd is commonly deployed in network environments where router advertisements are essential for IPv6 address autoconfiguration. Attackers can remotely exploit this flaw by sending specially crafted router advertisement packets to vulnerable systems, potentially leading to system compromise or denial of service. The attack surface extends to any network device running affected versions of radvd, including routers, switches, and network infrastructure components that rely on IPv6 autoconfiguration mechanisms. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of remote code execution capabilities through network-based attacks.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3601 primarily involve upgrading to radvd version 1.8.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and bounds checking for the label_len parameter. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious router advertisement traffic. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual router advertisement patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed IPv6 router advertisement packets. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in network daemon applications and highlights the critical nature of maintaining up-to-date network security software to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.