CVE-2013-0145 in Serva32
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the TFTPD service in Serva32 2.1.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a long string in a read request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0145 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the TFTPD service component of Serva32 version 2.1.0. This issue resides in the Trivial File Transfer Protocol daemon implementation that handles read requests from clients. The vulnerability manifests when the service receives a malformed read request containing an excessively long string, which exceeds the allocated buffer space in memory. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the TFTPD service code, specifically during the processing of TFTP read requests. According to CWE-121, this vulnerability falls under the category of stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The affected system operates as a network service that provides file transfer capabilities over UDP, making it susceptible to exploitation through network-based attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a malicious TFTP read request containing a string that exceeds the predetermined buffer limit. When the TFTPD service processes this malformed request, the excessive input causes a buffer overflow condition that can corrupt the program's execution stack. This overflow can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data within the program's memory space. The exploitation can result in two primary outcomes: either the daemon crashes due to memory corruption causing a denial of service, or in more severe cases, the attacker may be able to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the TFTPD service. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it affects a network service that typically runs with elevated privileges, providing potential attack vectors for privilege escalation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique under T1059, where an attacker leverages buffer overflow conditions to execute malicious code. The service's design does not implement proper input sanitization or length validation, creating an inherent weakness that directly aligns with the CWE-787 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds writes that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0145 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire network infrastructures. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause cascading failures in network operations since TFTPD services are often integral to network boot processes, firmware updates, and other critical infrastructure functions. Organizations relying on Serva32 for network services may experience unauthorized access to their file systems, leading to data exfiltration or system compromise. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to initiate attacks, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments. The service's operation in a network environment where it might be exposed to untrusted networks or hosts increases the attack surface significantly. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability represents a critical weakness that can be leveraged for persistent access, as demonstrated by the ATT&CK framework's categorization of similar buffer overflow exploits as foundational techniques for establishing footholds within networks. The potential for privilege escalation exists when the TFTPD service operates with elevated permissions, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources or perform administrative actions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0145 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of Serva32 that implements proper input validation and buffer management techniques. Organizations should disable or remove the TFTPD service if it is not required for operational purposes, reducing the attack surface. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected service to only trusted hosts, limiting potential exploitation opportunities. The implementation of intrusion detection systems can help identify anomalous TFTP traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits should include vulnerability assessments targeting network services and their configurations, particularly focusing on services that handle external input without proper validation. The solution architecture should incorporate defensive programming practices such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and non-executable stack protections to mitigate exploitation success rates. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on buffer overflow attempts, as these attacks often generate specific traffic patterns that can be identified through behavioral analysis. Compliance with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 requires organizations to maintain updated software inventories and implement timely patch management processes to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2013-0145. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure that the vulnerability is fully resolved without introducing new issues or disrupting legitimate network operations.