CVE-2014-4883 in lwIP
Summary
by MITRE
resolv.c in the DNS resolver in uIP, and dns.c in the DNS resolver in lwIP 1.4.1 and earlier, does not use random values for ID fields and source ports of DNS query packets, which makes it easier for man-in-the-middle attackers to conduct cache-poisoning attacks via spoofed reply packets.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-4883 affects DNS resolver implementations within embedded networking stacks, specifically targeting uIP and lwIP versions up to 1.4.1. This flaw resides in the fundamental mechanism by which DNS queries are constructed and transmitted, creating a significant security weakness that undermines the integrity of DNS resolution processes. The vulnerability manifests in the predictable nature of identifier fields and source port selections within DNS query packets, which should normally employ random values to prevent malicious interference.
The technical flaw stems from the deterministic generation of DNS query identifiers and source ports in the resolver implementations. In standard DNS operations, each query packet contains a unique identifier field that helps match responses to their corresponding queries, while source ports are randomized to prevent correlation attacks. When these values are predictable or static, attackers can exploit this weakness to inject false DNS responses into the resolution process. The vulnerability specifically impacts resolv.c in uIP and dns.c in lwIP 1.4.1 and earlier versions, where the randomization mechanisms fail to properly initialize or select these critical fields.
This weakness enables sophisticated man-in-the-middle attacks that can successfully poison DNS caches through carefully crafted spoofed reply packets. The operational impact is severe as it allows attackers to redirect network traffic to malicious destinations without requiring direct access to the network path. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat that can affect any device using affected networking stacks, particularly embedded systems, IoT devices, and network appliances that rely on these libraries for DNS resolution. The cache poisoning attacks can result in complete traffic redirection, data interception, and service disruption across affected networks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-330 weakness category, which addresses the use of insufficiently random values in security contexts, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol: DNS. Organizations utilizing affected networking stacks face significant exposure to DNS cache poisoning attacks that can compromise network integrity and user security. The attack vector requires minimal sophistication but can produce substantial damage, making it particularly dangerous for embedded systems that may not have robust security monitoring or update mechanisms in place. Remediation involves updating to patched versions of the affected networking stacks, implementing proper randomization of DNS query identifiers and source ports, and deploying network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous DNS behavior patterns that might indicate cache poisoning attempts.