CVE-2012-4415 in Guacamole
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the guac_client_plugin_open function in libguac in Guacamole before 0.6.3 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) or execute arbitrary code via a long protocol name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-4415 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Guacamole remote desktop gateway software. This flaw exists in the guac_client_plugin_open function located within the libguac library component of Guacamole versions prior to 0.6.3. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation when processing protocol names provided by remote attackers during the client connection establishment process. When a maliciously crafted protocol name exceeds the allocated buffer size, it overflows into adjacent stack memory, potentially corrupting program execution flow and creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution or system crashes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length stack buffer. In this case, the buffer overflow vulnerability specifically affects the protocol name parameter handling within the client plugin opening mechanism. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending a specially crafted protocol name string that exceeds the predetermined buffer capacity, causing stack corruption that can be leveraged to redirect program execution or trigger denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-4415 extends beyond simple system crashes to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable Guacamole instances. This vulnerability affects remote desktop gateway deployments where Guacamole serves as the central access point for connecting to various remote desktop protocols. The attack surface includes organizations relying on Guacamole for secure remote access solutions, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprises and service providers that depend on remote desktop connectivity. The exploitation potential aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, as the vulnerability enables attackers to execute malicious code within the context of the vulnerable application process.
Organizations utilizing Guacamole versions prior to 0.6.3 should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the official security patch released by the Guacamole project, implementing network-level restrictions to limit access to vulnerable services, and conducting thorough security assessments of remote desktop environments. The recommended remediation approach involves upgrading to Guacamole version 0.6.3 or later, which includes proper input validation and buffer size checking mechanisms. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation opportunities. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual protocol name patterns or connection attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in network services and highlights the need for robust buffer management practices in remote access software implementations.