CVE-2014-5508 in srvx
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in the HelpServ module (mod-helpserv.c) in srvx 1.3.1 allow remote authenticated IRCops or HelpServ bot managers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via a large value in the EmptyInterval parameter or certain other interval configurations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5508 resides within the HelpServ module of the srvx IRC services software version 1.3.1, representing a critical security flaw that can be exploited by authenticated users to disrupt service availability. This issue manifests through integer overflow conditions that occur when processing interval configuration parameters, specifically targeting the EmptyInterval parameter and related interval settings. The vulnerability operates at the application layer within the IRC services infrastructure, where HelpServ manages help system operations for IRC networks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper input validation and arithmetic handling within the mod-helpserv.c source file. When an authenticated IRC operator or HelpServ bot manager submits a large integer value for the EmptyInterval parameter or other interval configurations, the software fails to properly validate the input bounds before performing arithmetic operations. This leads to integer overflow conditions where the calculated values exceed the maximum representable integer limits, causing unexpected behavior in the program's execution flow. The overflow results in the program entering an infinite loop state rather than gracefully handling the invalid input, effectively creating a denial of service condition that can persist until the service is manually restarted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the stability of entire IRC networks that rely on srvx services for their operational infrastructure. An authenticated attacker with access to HelpServ management capabilities can systematically cause service interruptions by manipulating interval parameters, leading to cascading effects that may impact other services running on the same infrastructure. The vulnerability affects both IRC operators with administrative privileges and HelpServ bot managers who have been granted specific permissions to configure help system parameters, making the attack surface broader within the network's administrative hierarchy.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. The flaw represents a classic example of improper input validation where the software assumes all inputs will fall within expected ranges without proper bounds checking. The infinite loop condition created by the integer overflow prevents the service from processing legitimate requests and can be leveraged to exhaust system resources, potentially causing additional collateral damage to network infrastructure. Organizations implementing srvx services should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where IRC services are critical to network operations and where privileged access controls may be insufficiently enforced.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the srvx software to version 1.3.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for integer overflow handling in the HelpServ module. Additionally, administrators should implement strict input validation controls that enforce reasonable bounds on interval parameter values, particularly for EmptyInterval and related configuration fields. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous parameter submissions that may indicate exploitation attempts, while access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized personnel have the ability to modify HelpServ configuration parameters. The implementation of automated input sanitization and bounds checking mechanisms within the HelpServ module would provide additional protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future, following secure coding practices that emphasize proper integer handling and input validation.