CVE-2014-9376 in Ettercap
Summary
by MITRE
Integer underflow in Ettercap 0.8.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds write) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a small (1) size variable value in the dissector_dhcp function in dissectors/ec_dhcp.c, (2) length value to the dissector_gg function in dissectors/ec_gg.c, or (3) string length to the get_decode_len function in ec_utils.c or a request without a (4) username or (5) password to the dissector_TN3270 function in dissectors/ec_TN3270.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2014-9376 represents a critical integer underflow issue affecting Ettercap version 0.8.1, a popular network sniffer and man-in-the-middle attack tool. This flaw manifests in multiple dissector functions within the network protocol analysis components, creating a chain of potential security risks that could lead to both denial of service conditions and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation in several protocol dissectors that fail to properly handle boundary conditions when processing network packet data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through integer underflow conditions in four distinct dissector functions that process different network protocols. In the dissector_dhcp function within ec_dhcp.c, an attacker can manipulate a variable set to value one which triggers an underflow condition leading to out-of-bounds memory writes. Similarly, the dissector_gg function in ec_gg.c exhibits the same vulnerability when processing a length value, while the get_decode_len function in ec_utils.c fails to validate string length parameters properly. Additionally, the dissector_TN3270 function in ec_TN3270.c demonstrates the vulnerability when processing authentication requests lacking either username or password fields. These conditions create predictable memory access violations that can be exploited by remote attackers to manipulate program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the integer underflow conditions can potentially be leveraged for remote code execution. When an integer underflows, it wraps around to a large positive value, which can then be used as an array index or buffer size parameter. This creates opportunities for attackers to write data beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting critical program structures or executable code. The vulnerability affects Ettercap's core functionality as a network analysis tool, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the tool is used for network monitoring or security testing purposes. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to systems or compromise the integrity of network traffic analysis operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9376 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Ettercap version, with administrators upgrading to versions that contain proper input validation and integer overflow protection mechanisms. The fix implementation should include comprehensive bounds checking in all affected dissector functions, ensuring that input values are validated before being used in memory allocation or array indexing operations. Security professionals should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, while following the principle of least privilege in deploying Ettercap tools. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to memory corruption vulnerabilities. Additionally, this issue demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as it affects protocol analysis components that could be targeted in network reconnaissance activities. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to ensure all instances of Ettercap are updated and monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts in their network traffic analysis systems.