CVE-2013-0722 in Ettercap
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the scan_load_hosts function in ec_scan.c in Ettercap 0.7.5.1 and earlier might allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse hosts list containing a long line.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0722 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Ettercap network security tool version 0.7.5.1 and earlier. This flaw exists in the scan_load_hosts function located in the ec_scan.c source file, where the software fails to properly validate input length when processing hosts list files. The vulnerability specifically manifests when Ettercap processes a Trojan horse hosts list containing an excessively long line, creating a condition where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory on the stack.
This buffer overflow vulnerability operates through a classic stack corruption mechanism where an attacker can craft a specially formatted hosts file with a line exceeding the allocated buffer space. When Ettercap's scan_load_hosts function attempts to read this oversized line, it writes beyond the bounds of the intended memory buffer, potentially overwriting return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data. The local privilege escalation aspect of this vulnerability means that an attacker with access to the system can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, typically those of the user running Ettercap or potentially root if the application runs with elevated permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it represents a significant threat to network security tools that are commonly used in penetration testing and network monitoring environments. Ettercap's primary function as a network sniffer and man-in-the-middle attack tool makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous since it could be exploited during normal operation when processing network host information. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it enables local users to gain elevated system privileges through exploitation of the buffer overflow.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0722 should prioritize immediate patching of Ettercap to version 0.7.6 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly validate input lengths in the scan_load_hosts function. System administrators should also implement strict file access controls and input validation for any hosts list files processed by Ettercap, ensuring that only trusted users can modify these files. Network security teams should consider implementing monitoring for suspicious Ettercap usage patterns and file modifications that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, defense-in-depth strategies should include regular security audits of network monitoring tools and ensuring that all security tools are kept current with the latest security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and bounds checking in security-critical applications, particularly those handling user-supplied data in network reconnaissance tools where the attack surface can be expanded through crafted input files.