CVE-2012-1570 in MaraDNS
Summary
by MITRE
The resolver in MaraDNS before 1.3.0.7.15 and 1.4.x before 1.4.12 overwrites cached server names and TTL values in NS records during the processing of a response to an A record query, which allows remote attackers to trigger continued resolvability of revoked domain names via a "ghost domain names" attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1570 affects MaraDNS versions prior to 1.3.0.7.15 and 1.4.x versions before 1.4.12, representing a critical flaw in the DNS resolver implementation that undermines the integrity of cached DNS responses. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of NS (Name Server) records within the caching mechanism of the DNS resolver, creating a scenario where cached server names and TTL (Time To Live) values become overwritten during the processing of A record queries. The flaw occurs during the normal operation of the DNS resolution process when the resolver encounters a response to an A record query and subsequently modifies cached NS record data, leading to a state where outdated or malicious information persists in the cache.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables remote attackers to conduct what is known as a "ghost domain names" attack, where revoked or compromised domain names continue to appear resolvable due to the corrupted cache state. This occurs because the resolver's caching mechanism fails to properly validate or refresh the NS record information when processing A record responses, allowing stale data to overwrite current legitimate entries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate cache management protocols that do not properly distinguish between different types of DNS record updates or maintain proper consistency checks when multiple record types are processed concurrently. This represents a fundamental flaw in the resolver's cache coherence model and demonstrates poor adherence to secure coding practices for DNS resolution systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple cache poisoning, creating a persistent threat where attackers can maintain continued access to revoked domains by manipulating the resolver's cache behavior. This attack vector allows for extended periods of unauthorized domain resolution, potentially enabling further malicious activities such as phishing, credential harvesting, or redirection to malicious infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where MaraDNS serves as a recursive resolver or forwarder, as these systems maintain extensive caches that could be exploited to create long-lasting ghost domains. Organizations relying on MaraDNS for DNS resolution services face significant risk of ongoing unauthorized access to compromised domains, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise and service provider environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1570 primarily involve upgrading to the patched versions of MaraDNS, specifically versions 1.3.0.7.15 and 1.4.12 or later, which contain the necessary fixes to prevent the cache overwriting behavior. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring of DNS cache behavior and consider implementing cache validation mechanisms to detect anomalous record updates. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which covers "Information Exposure," and CWE-225, "Improper Handling of Exceptional Conditions," as it involves improper handling of DNS response processing and exposure of stale information. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004, "Application Layer Protocol: DNS," and T1566, "Phishing," as it enables persistent phishing attacks through continued resolution of revoked domains. Organizations should also consider implementing DNS security extensions such as DNSSEC to provide additional protection against cache poisoning attacks and ensure proper validation of DNS responses.