CVE-2014-3554 in libndp
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the ndp_msg_opt_dnssl_domain function in libndp allows remote routers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted DNS Search List (DNSSL) in an IPv6 router advertisement.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3554 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Network Device Protocol library, specifically affecting the ndp_msg_opt_dnssl_domain function. This issue resides in the libndp library which handles IPv6 neighbor discovery protocol operations, making it a significant concern for network infrastructure components that process IPv6 router advertisements. The vulnerability manifests when the library processes DNS Search List options contained within IPv6 router advertisements, which are standard components used by IPv6 networks to provide domain name resolution services to hosts. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the processing of these DNS search lists through crafted malicious advertisements, potentially leading to system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and buffer management within the ndp_msg_opt_dnssl_domain function. When processing DNS Search List options, the function fails to properly validate the length of domain names within the list, allowing attackers to provide overly long domain names that exceed the allocated buffer space. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs because the implementation does not perform bounds checking on the input data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through legitimate network traffic, specifically IPv6 router advertisements that are routinely processed by network devices. The flaw allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. According to CWE standards, this maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The attack vector is classified as network-based with a CVSS score indicating high severity, as the vulnerability can be exploited without authentication.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3554 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable full system compromise, particularly in environments where IPv6 is actively used and network devices process router advertisements from untrusted sources. Network infrastructure devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, and servers that implement IPv6 neighbor discovery protocol functionality are at risk. The vulnerability can be exploited to cause system crashes, leading to denial of service for legitimate network traffic, or potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process. This could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within the network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where automated network discovery is enabled, as attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to network infrastructure without requiring physical access or network credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3554 should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should prioritize applying security patches from vendors that address the buffer overflow in libndp, as the vulnerability has been widely recognized and remediated. Network administrators should implement strict filtering of IPv6 router advertisements at network boundaries to prevent malicious advertisements from reaching internal systems. The implementation of network segmentation and access control lists can help limit the potential impact of exploitation. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual patterns in IPv6 traffic, particularly around router advertisement processing. From a defensive standpoint, the vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves executing malicious code through system processes, and T1499, which encompasses network denial of service attacks. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability, particularly in environments where IPv6 is deployed. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for vulnerable versions of libndp and related network protocol implementations to prevent exploitation.