CVE-2014-6310 in CHICKEN
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in CHICKEN 4.9.0 and 4.9.0.1 may allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the 'select' function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6310 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the CHICKEN Scheme implementation version 4.9.0 and its subsequent patch release 4.9.0.1. This issue specifically affects the 'select' function which is commonly used for handling multiple input/output operations in concurrent programming environments. The buffer overflow occurs when the system processes input data through the select function without proper bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental weakness in software design that occurs when more data is written to a buffer than it can hold. The technical implementation flaw manifests in the improper handling of input validation within the CHICKEN interpreter's select function, where the system fails to adequately verify the size of incoming data before attempting to store it in memory buffers. The overflow typically occurs in heap or stack memory regions, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious payloads that can be executed in the context of the running process.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-6310 extends beyond simple code execution, as it creates a potential entry point for attackers to escalate privileges and establish persistent access to affected systems. Remote exploitation is particularly concerning since attackers can trigger the vulnerability from outside the network perimeter without requiring local access or authentication. This makes the vulnerability especially dangerous in environments where CHICKEN is deployed as part of web applications or network services, where it may be exposed to untrusted input from multiple sources. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that CHICKEN is often used in embedded systems and server environments where the consequences of unauthorized code execution can be severe.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected CHICKEN versions to the latest stable releases that contain the necessary memory bounds checking fixes. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks. Additionally, input validation should be enhanced at multiple layers including application-level defenses, network firewalls, and intrusion detection systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python' and T1190 for 'Exploit Public-Facing Application', highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both the specific vulnerability and broader exploitation patterns that may be used to target similar buffer overflow conditions in other software components.