CVE-2014-9378 in Ettercap
Summary
by MITRE
Ettercap 0.8.1 does not validate certain return values, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted (1) name to the parse_line function in mdns_spoof/mdns_spoof.c or (2) base64 encoded password to the dissector_imap function in dissectors/ec_imap.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9378 affects Ettercap version 0.8.1 and represents a critical security flaw stemming from inadequate input validation within core network packet processing functions. This issue manifests in two distinct attack vectors that exploit different protocol handlers within the Ettercap framework, creating potential pathways for both denial of service and remote code execution. The vulnerability resides in the mdns_spoof module where the parse_line function fails to properly validate return values from underlying operations, and in the dissector_imap component where the dissector_imap function does not adequately validate base64 encoded password inputs. These flaws demonstrate poor defensive programming practices that violate fundamental security principles and create exploitable conditions in network traffic analysis tools.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the absence of proper error handling and input validation mechanisms within Ettercap's network protocol dissectors. When processing maliciously crafted DNS name inputs through the mdns_spoof.c module, the parse_line function does not verify the success status of operations that may return error codes or invalid pointers. Similarly, the dissector_imap function in ec_imap.c fails to validate the integrity of base64 encoded password data before processing, potentially leading to buffer overflows or arbitrary code execution. These issues align with CWE-248, which addresses the exposure of an exception to an attacker, and CWE-121, concerning stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that Ettercap operates as a network sniffer and man-in-the-middle tool, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise network security monitoring capabilities.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple service disruption to encompass potential system compromise and data exposure. Remote attackers can leverage these flaws to crash the Ettercap process, effectively creating a denial of service condition that disrupts network monitoring activities and security auditing operations. More critically, the potential for arbitrary code execution means that attackers could gain control of systems running Ettercap, particularly in environments where the tool operates with elevated privileges. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity of network security monitoring infrastructure and can undermine the trustworthiness of security audit data. The attack vectors are particularly concerning because they target fundamental protocol parsing functions that handle real-time network traffic, making successful exploitation possible during normal network operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9378 should focus on immediate software updates and defensive programming improvements. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to Ettercap versions that address these validation issues and implement proper error handling mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially compromised Ettercap instances. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unusual process behavior and implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting these specific vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough code review of input validation routines and implementation of proper bounds checking, particularly in functions that parse network protocol data. This vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and demonstrates the critical need for comprehensive input validation in network security tools, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection and T1489 for denial of service through exploitation of system vulnerabilities.