CVE-2016-2314 in SmartAX MT882
Summary
by MITRE
GlobespanVirata ftpd 1.0, as used on Huawei SmartAX MT882 devices V200R002B022 Arg, allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (device outage) by using the FTP MKD command to create a directory with a long name, and then using certain other commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2314 affects the GlobespanVirata ftpd 1.0 implementation used on Huawei SmartAX MT882 devices running V200R002B022 Arg firmware. This represents a denial of service weakness that can be exploited by authenticated remote attackers who possess valid credentials to the device's FTP service. The flaw resides in how the FTP daemon handles directory creation operations, specifically when processing the MKD command with excessively long directory names.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and buffer management within the ftpd service. When an authenticated user issues an MKD command with a directory name exceeding the system's allocated buffer space, the system fails to properly handle the overflow condition. This improper handling causes the FTP daemon to crash or become unresponsive, leading to a complete device outage that disrupts network services. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, though the specific implementation manifests as a more generalized buffer handling issue that affects the daemon's stability rather than direct code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass broader network reliability concerns. Network administrators managing Huawei SmartAX MT882 devices face significant risks when this vulnerability is exploited, as it can result in complete service interruption for customers relying on the device's functionality. The attack requires only authenticated access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where FTP credentials might be compromised or where administrative access is not adequately restricted. The device outage can persist until manual intervention occurs, potentially causing extended downtime for network services and requiring system reboot to restore normal operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Huawei to address the underlying buffer handling issues in the ftpd service. Network administrators should implement strict access controls and authentication measures to limit who can access the FTP service on affected devices. Additionally, monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual FTP activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1499 as an endpoint denial of service attack, emphasizing the importance of securing network services and implementing proper input validation to prevent such conditions. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the impact of potential exploitation and ensure that critical network infrastructure remains protected from unauthorized access.