CVE-2017-12468 in CCN-lite
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in ccn-lite-ccnb2xml.c in CCN-lite before 2.00 allows context-dependent attackers to have unspecified impact via vectors involving the vallen and len variables.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12468 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the CCN-lite software library, specifically in the ccn-lite-ccnb2xml.c component. This flaw exists in versions prior to 2.00 and demonstrates a classic programming error where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability manifests when processing content with specific characteristics related to vallen and len variables, which are critical parameters in the CCN-lite protocol implementation for handling content name components. The context-dependent nature of this vulnerability means that exploitation requires specific conditions to be met, typically involving crafted CCNB-encoded content that triggers the problematic code path. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions that occur when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length buffer. The impact of such vulnerabilities can range from denial of service to arbitrary code execution depending on the specific circumstances of exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of input parameters within the CCN-lite library's XML conversion functionality. When the system processes CCNB-encoded content, it uses vallen and len variables to manage memory allocation and data copying operations. The flaw occurs because these variables are not adequately validated before being used to determine buffer sizes or copy operations, allowing attackers to manipulate these values to cause buffer overflows. The attack vector involves sending specially crafted CCNB content that, when processed by the ccn-lite-ccnb2xml.c module, causes the software to allocate insufficient memory or copy excessive data into fixed-size buffers. This condition creates an environment where memory corruption can occur, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior and system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental weakness in memory management practices and highlights the importance of proper input validation in security-critical software components.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12468 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it presents potential for more severe consequences including system compromise and unauthorized access. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of CCN-lite, particularly those serving as content delivery nodes in CCN networks. The context-dependent nature of the vulnerability means that not all CCN-lite implementations are equally at risk, but systems that process external CCNB content without proper sanitization are particularly vulnerable. Organizations using CCN-lite for content delivery, caching, or routing functions face significant risk if they have not upgraded to version 2.00 or later, as these systems could be compromised by attackers who understand the specific conditions required to trigger the buffer overflow. The vulnerability also impacts the broader CCN ecosystem, as compromised nodes could be used to launch further attacks or to manipulate content delivery within the network. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving buffer overflow exploitation and privilege escalation, potentially enabling attackers to move laterally within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12468 center on immediate software upgrades to CCN-lite version 2.00 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, particularly those handling external CCNB content. Input validation should be strengthened at all levels of the software stack, including implementing proper bounds checking for all buffer operations and ensuring that vallen and len variables are validated before use. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in CCN-lite processing that might indicate attempted exploitation, including monitoring for malformed CCNB content or unexpected memory usage patterns. Additionally, systems should be configured with appropriate memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization to make exploitation more difficult. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust software development practices including code reviews, static analysis, and dynamic testing to identify similar buffer overflow conditions before they can be exploited in production environments.