CVE-2014-8680 in BIND
Summary
by MITRE
The GeoIP functionality in ISC BIND 9.10.0 through 9.10.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (assertion failure and named exit) via vectors related to (1) the lack of GeoIP databases for both IPv4 and IPv6, or (2) IPv6 support with certain options.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8680 resides within the GeoIP functionality of ISC BIND versions 9.10.0 through 9.10.1, representing a critical denial of service weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers to disrupt named services. This flaw specifically targets the handling of GeoIP database configurations and IPv6 support mechanisms, creating a scenario where legitimate network operations can be terminated through carefully crafted inputs. The vulnerability operates under CWE-122 which classifies it as a buffer overflow condition, though in this case the manifestation occurs through assertion failures rather than traditional memory corruption. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects the core DNS resolution services that form the backbone of internet infrastructure, making it a prime target for adversaries seeking to disrupt network availability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of GeoIP database presence and configuration within the named process. When ISC BIND attempts to process DNS queries with GeoIP functionality enabled but encounters either missing IPv4 and IPv6 GeoIP databases or improper IPv6 configuration options, the software triggers an assertion failure that results in the named daemon terminating unexpectedly. This behavior aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which describes network denial of service attacks targeting DNS services. The flaw essentially creates a condition where the software cannot gracefully handle missing or improperly configured GeoIP resources, leading to the assertion failure that terminates the named process. The vulnerability demonstrates poor error handling practices in the software's initialization and configuration validation phases, where the system fails to properly validate database availability before attempting to utilize these resources.
Operational impact of CVE-2014-8680 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the availability of entire DNS infrastructures that rely on ISC BIND for their operations. Organizations utilizing GeoIP functionality for traffic management, geographic load balancing, or access control measures face significant risk when exposed to this vulnerability, as a successful exploitation can result in complete DNS service outages. The vulnerability affects both IPv4 and IPv6 environments, making it particularly dangerous in modern network infrastructures where dual-stack implementations are common. Network administrators may experience cascading failures if the named service is critical to their infrastructure, as the assertion failure causes the daemon to exit completely rather than simply logging errors or continuing operation with reduced functionality. This behavior can be particularly devastating in environments where DNS services are integral to authentication, certificate management, or other critical infrastructure components that depend on stable name resolution services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8680 should focus on immediate patch application to ISC BIND versions 9.10.2 and later, which contain the necessary fixes for the GeoIP database validation issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring to detect when named processes terminate unexpectedly, as this can serve as an early warning indicator of exploitation attempts. Configuration hardening measures include ensuring that GeoIP databases are properly installed and configured before enabling GeoIP functionality, or alternatively disabling the GeoIP features entirely if they are not required for operational needs. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of affected BIND servers to untrusted networks, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for patterns consistent with this vulnerability can provide early detection capabilities, while regular security assessments should verify that GeoIP configurations follow secure baseline practices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and error handling in DNS server implementations, and organizations should review their entire DNS infrastructure for similar patterns that might expose them to related denial of service conditions.