CVE-2017-12466 in CCN-lite
Summary
by MITRE
CCN-lite before 2.00 allows context-dependent attackers to have unspecified impact via vectors related to ssl_halen when running ccn-lite-sim, which trigger an out-of-bounds access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2023
CVE-2017-12466 represents a critical out-of-bounds memory access vulnerability within CCN-lite version 2.00 and earlier, specifically affecting the ssl_halen function during execution of ccn-lite-sim simulation utility. This vulnerability resides in the cryptographic handling components of the CCN-lite software, which is designed for content-centric networking implementations. The flaw manifests when the ssl_halen function processes input data that exceeds expected boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can potentially be exploited by context-dependent attackers. The vulnerability's impact remains unspecified due to the complexity of memory corruption exploitation and the various potential attack vectors that could be leveraged.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the ssl_halen function, which is responsible for handling SSL-related cryptographic operations in the CCN-lite framework. When ccn-lite-sim executes with specific input parameters, the function fails to properly validate array indices or buffer limits, allowing an attacker to craft malicious input that triggers memory access beyond allocated boundaries. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient checking of the length of input data, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. The vulnerability's exploitation requires an attacker to have knowledge of the specific execution context and input parameters that will cause the function to access invalid memory locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12466 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as memory corruption vulnerabilities can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or information disclosure. When attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, they can manipulate the program's memory state and potentially gain control over the execution flow of ccn-lite-sim. This is particularly concerning in environments where the simulation utility is used for testing network protocols or validating content-centric networking implementations. The vulnerability affects the broader CCN-lite ecosystem and could potentially compromise the integrity of network simulations that rely on proper cryptographic handling. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability could be categorized under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, depending on the attack vector and target environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12466 require immediate software updates to CCN-lite version 2.00 or later, where the bounds checking has been properly implemented and the ssl_halen function has been hardened against invalid input processing. Organizations should also implement runtime monitoring and input validation measures to detect anomalous behavior in the ccn-lite-sim utility. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure to potential attackers who might attempt to exploit this vulnerability. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their CCN-lite implementations and ensure that all related simulation environments are updated to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in cryptographic implementations, as highlighted by industry standards and best practices in secure software development.