CVE-2013-0230 in MiniUPnPd
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the ExecuteSoapAction function in the SOAPAction handler in the HTTP service in MiniUPnP MiniUPnPd 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long quoted method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2024
The CVE-2013-0230 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the MiniUPnP MiniUPnPd 1.0 software implementation. This vulnerability specifically affects the ExecuteSoapAction function located within the SOAPAction handler of the HTTP service component. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation when processing SOAPAction requests, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution on affected systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates within the core network service functionality of the UPnP implementation, making it accessible to any attacker capable of sending malicious SOAP requests to the target device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of quoted method parameters within the SOAPAction processing logic. When the ExecuteSoapAction function receives a SOAPAction request containing a method name enclosed in quotes, it fails to properly validate the length of the quoted string before copying it to a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs because the implementation does not enforce bounds checking on the input data, allowing an attacker to exceed the allocated buffer space and overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which directly enables code execution through manipulation of the program control flow.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0230 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise of devices running vulnerable versions of MiniUPnPd. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected service process, typically resulting in full system control. The vulnerability affects a wide range of network devices including routers, firewalls, and network-attached storage systems that implement UPnP functionality using the affected MiniUPnPd version. This creates a significant threat landscape where attackers can potentially gain persistent access to network infrastructure, establish backdoors, or use compromised devices as launching points for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for devices exposed to untrusted network traffic.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0230 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary and most effective mitigation involves upgrading to a patched version of MiniUPnPd that properly validates input lengths before buffer operations. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of UPnP services to trusted networks and consider disabling UPnP functionality entirely on devices where it is not required. Network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous SOAPAction traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security controls should include disabling unnecessary network services, implementing proper access controls, and maintaining up-to-date vulnerability management processes. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation, with potential lateral movement opportunities through compromised network devices. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in other network services and applications.