CVE-2016-2345 in Dameware Remote Mini Controller
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in dwrcs.exe in the dwmrcs daemon in Solarwinds Dameware Remote Mini Controller 12.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2345 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the dwmrcs.exe component of SolarWinds Dameware Remote Mini Controller version 12.0. This daemon operates as part of the distributed Windows remote control system and serves as a core component for remote desktop management and administration tasks. The vulnerability specifically affects the dwmrcs daemon which handles remote connection requests and communication protocols, making it a prime target for remote exploitation attempts.
The technical flaw manifests through improper input validation within the dwmrcs daemon's string handling routines. When processing crafted malicious strings sent over the network, the application fails to properly bounds-check the input data before copying it to a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the running daemon process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates in a network-accessible daemon context, eliminating the need for local system access.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations using SolarWinds Dameware Remote Mini Controller as it enables remote code execution without authentication requirements. Attackers can exploit this flaw from any network location to gain full control over systems running the vulnerable software, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within the network. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise as the daemon typically runs with elevated privileges, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2345 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected SolarWinds Dameware Remote Mini Controller software to the latest available version that contains the fix for this buffer overflow vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to the vulnerable daemon ports and consider disabling the service entirely if not required for business operations. Additional defensive measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious string patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in network services, reinforcing industry standards for secure coding practices that align with CWE guidelines for preventing buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potential instances of similar flaws within their remote administration toolsets and ensure proper network access controls are in place to limit exposure to untrusted networks.