CVE-2014-9773 in atheme
Summary
by MITRE
modules/chanserv/flags.c in Atheme before 7.2.7 allows remote attackers to modify the Anope FLAGS behavior by registering and dropping the (1) LIST, (2) CLEAR, or (3) MODIFY keyword nicks.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9773 affects the Atheme IRC services software version 7.2.6 and earlier, specifically within the modules/chanserv/flags.c component. This issue represents a significant authorization flaw that undermines the security controls designed to protect channel flags and user permissions within IRC networks. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of nickname registration and dropping operations, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to manipulate the FLAGS behavior of Anope services.
The technical flaw manifests through the manipulation of specific keyword nicknames that are reserved for administrative functions within the channel services module. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by first registering the targeted nicknames LIST, CLEAR, or MODIFY, which are typically used for channel flag management operations. Once these nicknames are registered, the attacker can then drop them, causing the system to improperly handle subsequent flag operations. This sequence of actions creates a condition where the FLAGS behavior becomes malleable to unauthorized modifications, effectively bypassing the intended access controls that should restrict such operations to authorized channel operators or administrators.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of channel flag management within IRC networks that utilize Atheme services. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially gain unauthorized access to channel permissions, modify user privileges, and manipulate channel operations without proper authorization. This could lead to serious consequences including unauthorized channel takeovers, disruption of legitimate channel operations, and potential data integrity issues within the IRC network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core authentication and authorization mechanisms that protect channel services, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users rely on these services for secure communication.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1548.1 (Abuse Elevation of Privilege) within the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and improper privilege management, where the system fails to properly verify the legitimacy of nickname registration and dropping operations. Organizations using Atheme services should immediately implement the available patch version 7.2.7 or later, which addresses this vulnerability through proper validation of nickname operations and enhanced access control mechanisms. Additionally, network administrators should review their IRC service configurations and implement monitoring for suspicious nickname registration patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the inadequate validation of nickname lifecycle operations within the channel services module. The system does not properly enforce restrictions on the registration and dropping of administrative keyword nicknames, creating an attack surface that allows malicious actors to manipulate the underlying flag management system. This flaw demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in multi-user systems where privilege escalation can have widespread network impact. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as rate limiting for nickname operations, enhanced logging of administrative activities, and regular security assessments of their IRC service implementations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.