CVE-2017-12412 in CCN-lite
Summary
by MITRE
ccn-lite-ccnb2xml in CCN-lite before 2.0.0 allows context-dependent attackers to have unspecified impact via a crafted file, which triggers infinite recursion and a stack overflow.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12412 affects CCN-lite, a software library designed for Content-Centric Networking implementations. This particular flaw resides within the ccn-lite-ccnb2xml component which processes ccnb formatted data streams. The issue manifests when the software encounters specially crafted input files that trigger recursive parsing behavior, ultimately leading to stack overflow conditions. This represents a critical security weakness that could be exploited by malicious actors to disrupt system operations or potentially execute arbitrary code through memory corruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and recursive parsing logic within the ccn-lite library. When the ccnb2xml converter processes malformed ccnb data structures, it fails to properly terminate recursive function calls, causing the program to consume excessive stack memory. The stack overflow occurs because the recursive parsing mechanism lacks proper depth limits or termination conditions, allowing attackers to craft input files that force infinite recursion. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-674, which describes "Uncontrolled Recursion" and falls under the broader category of CWE-121, "Stack-based Buffer Overflow". The flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where recursive algorithms are not properly bounded or validated against malicious input patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial-of-service scenarios. While the immediate effect may appear as system instability or application crashes, the potential for more severe consequences exists. Attackers could leverage this weakness to cause system-wide disruptions in content-centric networks that rely on CCN-lite implementations. The vulnerability affects systems where CCN-lite components are deployed for content delivery, caching, or network routing functions, potentially compromising entire network infrastructures. The unspecified impact mentioned in the CVE description suggests that depending on the execution environment and system configuration, this vulnerability could enable privilege escalation or information disclosure attacks. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1499.004 for Endpoint Denial of Service, as it enables both system disruption and potential code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12412 require immediate software updates to CCN-lite version 2.0.0 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the recursive parsing logic. Organizations should implement input validation measures that limit the depth of recursive parsing operations and establish maximum file size restrictions for ccnb data processing. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to restrict exposure of vulnerable CCN-lite components to untrusted users. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unusual stack consumption patterns and implement intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. The fix implemented in CCN-lite 2.0.0 addresses the root cause by introducing proper recursion depth limiting and enhanced input sanitization mechanisms that prevent the infinite recursion condition from occurring. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other recursive parsing implementations within the organization's software portfolio.