CVE-2014-9451 in Security SENSE
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the DIVA web service API (/webservice) in VDG Security SENSE (formerly DIVA) 2.3.13 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the (1) user or (2) password parameter in an AuthenticateUser request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9451 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the DIVA web service API of VDG Security SENSE version 2.3.13. This issue resides in the authentication handling mechanism where the system fails to properly validate input lengths for user credentials, specifically targeting the user and password parameters within the AuthenticateUser request. The flaw exists in the web service component that processes authentication requests, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring any authentication credentials. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits maliciously crafted input to either the user or password parameter in the AuthenticateUser request through the /webservice endpoint. The insufficient input validation causes the application to write data beyond the allocated buffer space, resulting in stack corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite return addresses and function pointers. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that the attacker can potentially overwrite the saved return address and other critical stack variables, enabling them to redirect program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system with the privileges of the web service process. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects the authentication service specifically, which means that successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to the security system, potentially allowing attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain administrative control over the VDG Security SENSE platform. The impact extends beyond just local privilege escalation as the compromised authentication service could serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration, particularly in environments where this security platform manages critical access control functions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch application from the vendor, as the flaw affects a core authentication component that must be addressed through official updates. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the /webservice endpoint and consider disabling unnecessary web service functionality until patches are applied. Input validation controls should be enhanced at the application level to enforce strict length limitations on user and password parameters, implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms that align with secure coding practices. Additionally, monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect suspicious authentication requests that may indicate exploitation attempts, with security teams implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in web service implementations, particularly those handling authentication data, as highlighted by both CWE and ATT&CK frameworks that emphasize the need for robust memory safety controls in security-critical applications.