CVE-2012-5958 in portable SDK for UPnP
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the unique_service_name function in ssdp/ssdp_server.c in the SSDP parser in the portable SDK for UPnP Devices (aka libupnp, formerly the Intel SDK for UPnP devices) before 1.6.18 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a UDP packet with a crafted string that is not properly handled after a certain pointer subtraction.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2012-5958 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the portable SDK for UPnP Devices commonly known as libupnp or the Intel SDK for UPnP devices. This flaw exists within the SSDP (Simple Service Discovery Protocol) parser component, specifically in the unique_service_name function located in ssdp/ssdp_server.c. The vulnerability affects versions prior to 1.6.18 of the library, making it a significant concern for systems that rely on UPnP functionality for device discovery and service advertisement. The issue manifests when processing UDP packets containing crafted strings that are mishandled after a specific pointer subtraction operation, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent stack memory.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted UDP packet that triggers the buffer overflow in the ssdp_server.c file. When the unique_service_name function processes incoming SSDP packets, it performs pointer arithmetic followed by string handling operations that fail to properly validate input lengths. This allows an attacker to overflow the stack buffer and potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack data. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a fundamental memory safety issue where data written to a buffer exceeds the buffer's allocated size, causing adjacent memory to be overwritten. The attack vector is remote and requires only the ability to send UDP packets to the affected system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where UPnP services are enabled.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5958 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process, which typically runs with elevated permissions to handle network services. The consequences include potential system takeover, data exfiltration, or the installation of persistent backdoors. Systems running UPnP-enabled services such as network routers, media servers, smart home devices, and various network appliances become vulnerable targets. The attack can be particularly devastating in enterprise environments where UPnP is enabled by default, as it allows attackers to compromise network infrastructure devices without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as exploitation often involves crafting malicious payloads that can be executed through the compromised service.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5958 primarily focus on upgrading to libupnp version 1.6.18 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of the library and prioritize patching efforts accordingly. Network segmentation and firewall rules can provide temporary protection by blocking UDP traffic on port 1900, which is the standard port used by SSDP. Additionally, disabling UPnP functionality on devices where it is not required provides an effective defense-in-depth strategy. System administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual SSDP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in network services, highlighting the need for regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs to prevent similar issues in the future.