CVE-2013-0238 in IRCD-Hybrid
Summary
by MITRE
The try_parse_v4_netmask function in hostmask.c in IRCD-Hybrid before 8.0.6 does not properly validate masks, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a mask that causes a negative number to be parsed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0238 resides within the IRCD-Hybrid IRC server software, specifically in the try_parse_v4_netmask function located in the hostmask.c file. This flaw represents a classic input validation issue that can be exploited to trigger a denial of service condition, affecting versions prior to 8.0.6. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of network mask parameters, creating a scenario where malformed input can cause the application to crash. The issue manifests when a remote attacker submits a specially crafted mask that results in a negative number being processed during the parsing operation, ultimately leading to an application crash and service disruption.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices or other inputs that can lead to buffer overflows or other memory corruption issues. The flaw occurs during network mask parsing operations where the function fails to properly validate the range and format of the input values. When a negative number is encountered during the parsing process, it can cause integer overflow conditions or invalid memory access patterns that lead to application termination. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of software defects that can be exploited through crafted input data, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where untrusted users can submit arbitrary data to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the availability of IRC services that depend on IRCD-Hybrid. In environments where IRC servers are critical infrastructure components for communication, this vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to repeatedly crash servers, causing prolonged service outages. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal skill to exploit and can be automated, making it an attractive target for denial of service attacks. From an attacker perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-impact method for disrupting IRC communications, which could affect communities, gaming networks, or professional communication channels that rely on these services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0238 primarily focus on upgrading to IRCD-Hybrid version 8.0.6 or later, where the input validation has been properly implemented to prevent negative numbers from being processed during mask parsing operations. System administrators should also implement network-level protections such as rate limiting and input filtering to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual crash patterns or service disruptions that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and parameter checking in network applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service and emphasizing the need for robust error handling in server-side applications to prevent exploitation through malformed input data. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and block known exploit patterns targeting this specific vulnerability.