CVE-2014-4502 in sgminer
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple heap-based buffer overflows in the parse_notify function in sgminer before 4.2.2, cgminer before 4.3.5, and BFGMiner before 4.1.0 allow remote pool servers to have unspecified impact via a (1) large or (2) negative value in the Extranonc2_size parameter in a mining.subscribe response and a crafted mining.notify request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4502 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting cryptocurrency mining software implementations including sgminer, cgminer, and BFGMiner. This flaw resides within the parse_notify function which processes mining notifications from remote pool servers. The vulnerability manifests when these mining clients receive specially crafted mining.subscribe responses containing malformed Extranonce2_size parameters, creating conditions where remote attackers can manipulate memory allocation behaviors through crafted mining.notify requests. The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking within the mining protocol parsing logic, allowing attackers to supply values that exceed allocated buffer boundaries during heap memory operations. This specific implementation flaw falls under the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category, which is classified as a memory safety issue affecting the integrity of heap memory management. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios as the unspecified nature of the consequences suggests potential for remote code execution or system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer within the mining protocol communication stack, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard network-based attacks without requiring physical access or elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4502 is significant for cryptocurrency mining operations since it allows remote attackers to potentially gain control over mining clients that are connected to compromised pool servers. When mining pools are compromised or when malicious actors control pool infrastructure, they can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on mining hardware, potentially leading to unauthorized mining operations, data theft, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects multiple mining implementations across different software families, increasing the attack surface and making it difficult for operators to ensure complete protection through simple patching strategies. The specific parameters that trigger this vulnerability are Extranonce2_size values that are either excessively large or negative, which causes the mining client to allocate insufficient memory or perform invalid memory operations during the parsing of mining notifications. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in the mining context where hardware resources are often dedicated to continuous operations and where remote exploitation can result in substantial financial losses for mining operations. The attack vector is network-based and requires no authentication, making it extremely dangerous for mining pool operators who must trust the pool servers they connect to.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4502 primarily involve updating affected mining software implementations to versions that contain proper input validation and boundary checking mechanisms. The affected versions sgminer 4.2.1 and earlier, cgminer 4.3.4 and earlier, and BFGMiner 4.0.9 and earlier must be upgraded to their patched counterparts to eliminate the vulnerability. Additionally, network-based security controls should be implemented to monitor and filter mining protocol communications, particularly around the Extranonce2_size parameter values. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of mining clients to untrusted network segments. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) indicates that attackers may leverage such vulnerabilities to establish persistent access through mining malware or backdoor installations. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual memory allocation patterns and heap operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security hardening practices including disabling unnecessary network services, implementing strict input validation for all mining protocol parameters, and conducting regular security assessments of mining infrastructure are essential defensive measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management and input validation in networked applications, particularly those handling untrusted data from remote sources, aligning with industry best practices for secure software development and the principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security risks.