CVE-2012-5965 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 DeviceType (aka urn device) field in a UDP packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5965 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 vulnerability manifests when the SSDP parser encounters a UDP packet containing an excessively long DeviceType field, also referred to as the urn device field. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates a classic buffer overflow condition where insufficient input validation permits an attacker to write beyond the allocated stack buffer boundaries, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of UDP packets transmitted over the network, specifically targeting the SSDP protocol used for device discovery in UPnP networks. The unique_service_name function fails to properly validate the length of the DeviceType field, which is typically formatted as a Uniform Resource Name (URN) string. When an attacker crafts a UDP packet containing a DeviceType field exceeding the predetermined buffer size, the overflow corrupts adjacent stack memory, potentially overwriting return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data. This condition enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process, which typically runs with elevated permissions due to the nature of UPnP device discovery services.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5965 extends beyond simple code execution, as it affects the fundamental security posture of UPnP-enabled devices and networks. Network devices running vulnerable versions of libupnp become potential attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to compromise connected systems. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the network protocol level, making it accessible to attackers without requiring local system access or authentication. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and represents a significant risk to enterprise networks where UPnP services are enabled by default on numerous devices including routers, printers, and media servers. The vulnerability can be exploited to gain persistent access to network infrastructure, potentially enabling further lateral movement and privilege escalation within the compromised network environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5965 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases of the libupnp library. Organizations must ensure that all devices utilizing the vulnerable SDK are updated to versions containing the patched unique_service_name function with proper input validation. 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, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous UDP packet sizes in SSDP communications may help identify exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and buffer management practices as outlined in CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions. Security professionals should also consider disabling UPnP services on network devices when they are not required, as this reduces the attack surface and eliminates the risk of exploitation through this particular vulnerability channel.