CVE-2012-5959 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 long UDN (aka uuid) field within a string that contains a :: (colon colon) in a UDP packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5959 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the portable SDK for UPnP Devices, commonly known as libupnp or the Intel SDK for UPnP devices. This flaw exists in the ssdp/ssdp_server.c file within the Simple Service Discovery Protocol (SSDP) parser component, which is responsible for handling UPnP discovery messages. The vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 1.6.18 of the library, making it a significant concern for systems that rely on UPnP for device discovery and service announcement within local networks.
The technical flaw manifests in the unique_service_name function where improper input validation occurs when processing Universal Device Names (UDNs) that contain UUIDs. When a UDP packet containing a malformed UDN field is received, particularly one that includes a :: (colon colon) sequence, the function fails to properly bounds-check the input data before copying it to a fixed-size stack buffer. This allows an attacker to overflow the buffer and overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses and control data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through network traffic without requiring any authentication or privileged access, making it an ideal candidate for remote code execution attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain complete control over devices running vulnerable versions of libupnp. This includes routers, media servers, network cameras, and other UPnP-enabled devices that may be exposed to untrusted network traffic. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, create backdoors, redirect network traffic, or perform other malicious activities that compromise the entire network infrastructure. The nature of UPnP discovery protocols means that vulnerable devices are often accessible from multiple network segments, potentially allowing attackers to exploit this vulnerability from outside the local network. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which describes the condition where a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length stack buffer, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers may use the gained code execution to deploy additional payloads or establish persistent access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5959 should prioritize immediate patching of all affected systems to version 1.6.18 or later of libupnp, as this represents the most effective solution to eliminate the vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict UDP traffic on port 1900, which is the standard port used by SSDP for UPnP discovery. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns in UPnP discovery messages and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling UPnP functionality on devices where it is not required, particularly on network perimeter devices. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in network protocol implementations, as highlighted in industry best practices for secure coding and the OWASP Top Ten security risks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify other potentially vulnerable components within UPnP-enabled systems, as this vulnerability may indicate broader security issues in the network infrastructure.