CVE-2012-5964 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) 1.3.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long ServiceType (aka urn service) field in a UDP packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5964 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the portable SDK for UPnP Devices, commonly known as libupnp or formerly the Intel SDK for UPnP devices version 1.3.1. This flaw exists specifically within the unique_service_name function located in the ssdp/ssdp_server.c file, which processes Simple Service Discovery Protocol packets. The issue arises when the SSDP parser encounters a malformed UDP packet containing an excessively long ServiceType field, also referred to as the urn service field. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates a classic buffer overflow vulnerability where insufficient input validation allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory on the stack, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the network protocol level, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring any authentication or local access privileges.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack data. The flaw occurs in the SSDP server component that handles Universal Plug and Play discovery messages, specifically when processing the ServiceType field in UDP packets sent to UPnP devices. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious UDP packets containing overly long ServiceType values that exceed the allocated buffer space in the unique_service_name function. When the vulnerable software attempts to process this malformed input, the excessive data overflows into adjacent stack memory locations, potentially corrupting return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program state information. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in networked environments where UPnP devices are exposed to untrusted networks, as it allows remote code execution without requiring any prior authentication or access to the device itself.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5964 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can be exploited in various attack scenarios including denial of service, data exfiltration, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects devices that implement the libupnp library, which is widely deployed in consumer electronics, network appliances, and embedded systems that support UPnP protocols. This includes routers, media servers, smart home devices, and various networked appliances that rely on UPnP for device discovery and service advertisement. The attack surface is particularly broad due to the widespread adoption of UPnP in consumer devices, making this vulnerability a significant concern for network security. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to networked devices, potentially using the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol usage for command and control communications, as compromised devices could be used to establish persistent access or relay attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5964 should focus on both immediate patching and network-level defenses. The most effective solution involves upgrading to a patched version of libupnp that addresses this specific buffer overflow vulnerability, as the original vulnerable version 1.3.1 contains no built-in protections against such attacks. Network administrators should implement UDP port filtering to restrict access to UPnP discovery ports, particularly port 1900, which is commonly used for SSDP communications. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the exposure of UPnP-enabled devices to untrusted networks. Organizations should also consider disabling UPnP functionality on network devices where it is not strictly required, as this reduces the attack surface. The implementation of intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed SSDP packets and network monitoring tools that detect unusual UPnP traffic patterns can provide additional layers of defense. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify any devices running vulnerable versions of libupnp and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to address similar vulnerabilities in the future.