CVE-2016-4912 in OpenSLP
Summary
by MITRE
The _xrealloc function in xlsp_xmalloc.c in OpenSLP 2.0.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and crash) via a large number of crafted packets, which triggers a memory allocation failure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4912 resides within the OpenSLP 2.0.0 software implementation, specifically within the _xrealloc function located in the xlsp_xmalloc.c source file. This flaw represents a classic memory management issue that can be exploited to disrupt service availability. OpenSLP serves as a Simple Service Location Protocol implementation that facilitates network service discovery and is commonly deployed in enterprise environments for dynamic service registration and location. The vulnerability manifests when the system receives a large volume of crafted network packets that overwhelm the memory allocation mechanisms, ultimately leading to a critical system failure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully constructed sequence of network packets that trigger the _xrealloc function to attempt memory reallocation with invalid parameters. When the function encounters conditions that result in a NULL pointer dereference, the application crashes and terminates its service operations. This particular flaw falls under the category of memory safety issues and is classified as a denial of service condition where the attacker can force the system to become unresponsive. The underlying mechanism involves the improper handling of memory allocation failures within the realloc function, which is a fundamental component of dynamic memory management in C-based applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can affect the entire network service discovery infrastructure that relies on OpenSLP. Organizations utilizing this software may experience complete service outages for applications that depend on service location protocols, potentially affecting critical business operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for malicious actors seeking to disrupt network services. Network administrators may observe sudden service failures, increased system monitoring alerts, and potential cascading effects on dependent services that rely on the affected SLP infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4912 should focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by the OpenSLP maintainers, as this vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks, while implementing rate limiting and packet filtering mechanisms can reduce the effectiveness of crafted attack packets. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions, and represents a typical example of how improper error handling in memory management functions can lead to system instability. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on unusual packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, as this aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.002 for network denial of service attacks. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify similar memory management flaws in other network services and applications that may be susceptible to analogous exploitation patterns.