CVE-2012-2944 in NUT
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the addchar function in common/parseconf.c in upsd in Network UPS Tools (NUT) before 2.6.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (electric-power outage) via a long string containing non-printable characters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2944 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Network UPS Tools (NUT) suite, specifically affecting the upsd daemon component. This issue resides in the addchar function located within the common/parseconf.c file, which serves as a core parsing utility for configuration file processing. The vulnerability manifests when the upsd service processes configuration data containing excessively long strings with non-printable characters, creating a condition where memory boundaries are exceeded. This buffer overflow vulnerability directly impacts the stability and security of UPS monitoring systems that rely on NUT for power management operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a remote attack vector where malicious actors can craft specially formatted configuration data or communication payloads containing extended strings with non-printable characters. When the upsd daemon processes these inputs through the vulnerable addchar function, the buffer overflow condition triggers, potentially allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the upsd process. The impact extends beyond mere code execution to include denial of service conditions that could result in electric power outages, as the affected system would become unable to properly monitor or manage power supply during critical operations. This vulnerability specifically affects NUT versions prior to 2.6.4, making older installations particularly susceptible to exploitation.
The operational consequences of CVE-2012-2944 pose significant risks to enterprise and industrial environments that depend on uninterrupted power supply monitoring. Organizations utilizing NUT for critical infrastructure protection face potential service disruptions, data loss, and system compromise when this vulnerability is exploited. The remote code execution capability means that attackers could gain unauthorized access to power management systems, potentially leading to manipulation of power distribution, installation of backdoors, or further lateral movement within network environments. The denial of service aspect creates additional operational challenges as power monitoring systems may fail during critical power events, potentially causing cascading failures in mission-critical applications. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how configuration parsing flaws can lead to remote code execution in network services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2944 primarily focus on immediate software updates to NUT version 2.6.4 or later, which contain patches addressing the buffer overflow condition in the addchar function. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of upsd services to untrusted networks, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Additionally, monitoring for unusual configuration file modifications or communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts should be implemented. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in network services and highlights the need for robust buffer management practices in critical infrastructure software. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malicious configuration data patterns and maintaining updated threat intelligence regarding similar vulnerabilities in network management tools. This case underscores the necessity of regular security assessments and patch management processes for industrial control systems and power management infrastructure.