CVE-2013-2298 in BOINC
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the XML parser in BOINC 7.x allow attackers to have unspecified impact via a crafted XML file, related to the scheduler.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2298 represents a critical security flaw in the Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing (BOINC) software version 7.x series. This vulnerability specifically affects the XML parser component within BOINC, which is responsible for processing scheduler-related data structures. The issue manifests as multiple stack-based buffer overflows that occur when the software encounters malformed XML input. These buffer overflows are particularly dangerous because they can be triggered by attackers who craft malicious XML files designed to exploit the parsing logic. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as stack-based buffer overflow, which is a well-documented class of memory corruption vulnerabilities that have been exploited in numerous high-profile attacks. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can potentially allow remote code execution depending on the specific conditions and memory layout during exploitation.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the XML parser's handling of scheduler data structures where insufficient bounds checking occurs during memory allocation and data copying operations. When BOINC processes a crafted XML file containing overly long strings or malformed data structures, the parser fails to validate input lengths against allocated buffer sizes, resulting in memory corruption. The stack-based nature of these overflows means that the return addresses, function pointers, and local variables on the program stack become corrupted, potentially allowing attackers to redirect program execution flow. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in distributed computing environments where BOINC clients process data from multiple sources, as it can be exploited through malicious project data or scheduler communications. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where BOINC clients automatically download and process project data from untrusted sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2298 is significant for organizations and individuals running BOINC software, particularly those participating in distributed computing projects or using BOINC as a platform for scientific research. The vulnerability can lead to system instability, application crashes, and potentially complete system compromise if exploited successfully. In distributed computing environments, this vulnerability could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to computing resources or to disrupt legitimate scientific computing operations. The unspecified impact mentioned in the vulnerability description reflects the potential for various outcomes including remote code execution, privilege escalation, or complete system compromise depending on the target environment and exploitation conditions. Organizations using BOINC for large-scale computational projects face particular risk as malicious actors could exploit this vulnerability to disrupt research activities or gain access to sensitive computational resources. The vulnerability's presence in the scheduler component means that even legitimate project data could potentially be used as an attack vector, making it difficult to identify and prevent exploitation through simple input filtering approaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2298 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the buffer overflow vulnerabilities in the XML parser component. System administrators should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures for all XML data processed by BOINC installations, particularly when dealing with project data from external sources. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the exposure of BOINC clients to untrusted XML data sources. The implementation of intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malicious XML patterns and network monitoring for unusual BOINC activity can provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should also consider implementing application-level sandboxing or containerization for BOINC processes to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability relates to T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution and T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, indicating that exploitation could lead to broader system compromise. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the BOINC software stack. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in distributed computing environments where software processes data from potentially untrusted sources.