CVE-2013-1085 in Novell
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the nim: protocol handler in Novell GroupWise Messenger 2.04 and earlier, and Novell Messenger 2.1.x and 2.2.x before 2.2.2, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an import command containing a long string in the filename parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-1085 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting Novell GroupWise Messenger and Novell Messenger client applications. This flaw exists within the nim protocol handler component, which processes specific communication protocols used by these messaging systems. The vulnerability impacts versions 2.04 and earlier of GroupWise Messenger, as well as Novell Messenger versions 2.1.x and 2.2.x before 2.2.2, creating a significant attack surface for remote exploitation. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes an import command that contains an excessively long string in the filename parameter, allowing malicious actors to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the program stack. In this case, the nim protocol handler fails to properly validate the length of the filename parameter during import command processing, creating an exploitable condition where a carefully crafted string can exceed the allocated buffer space. When the application attempts to process this oversized string, it overflows the stack buffer and potentially corrupts return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack data structures. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no local privileges, making it a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited over network connections.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive corporate communications and messaging infrastructure. Organizations using these legacy messaging systems face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network environments. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target these systems from outside the network perimeter, making traditional network segmentation less effective as a protective measure. Security teams must consider that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent access, exfiltrate sensitive information, or use the compromised systems as launch points for further attacks against other network resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1085 should prioritize immediate patch application from Novell, as version 2.2.2 and later releases contain fixes addressing this specific buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate messaging systems from critical infrastructure and apply firewall rules to restrict access to messaging protocols. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous import command patterns or unusually long filename parameters that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in protocol handlers, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution through protocol handlers and T1203 for exploitation of software vulnerabilities. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted code and deploy intrusion detection systems capable of identifying the specific payload patterns associated with this buffer overflow exploit.