CVE-2017-12471 in CCN-lite
Summary
by MITRE
The cnb_parse_lev function in CCN-lite before 2.00 allows context-dependent attackers to have unspecified impact by leveraging failure to check for out-of-bounds conditions, which triggers an invalid read in the hexdump function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12471 resides within the cnb_parse_lev function of CCN-lite software version 2.00 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables context-dependent attackers to exploit out-of-bounds memory access conditions. This vulnerability specifically affects the parsing functionality of CCN-lite, which is a software implementation of the Content-Centric Networking (CCN) protocol designed for efficient content distribution and retrieval in distributed networks. The flaw manifests when the cnb_parse_lev function fails to properly validate input parameters, leading to potential memory corruption scenarios that can be leveraged by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper bounds checking within the cnb_parse_lev function, which processes network packets and data structures in the CCN-lite framework. When malformed or unexpected input data is processed by this function, it fails to validate array indices or buffer boundaries, resulting in invalid memory reads that can trigger a cascade of memory corruption issues. The hexdump function, which is typically used for debugging and data visualization purposes, becomes the point of failure when attempting to display corrupted memory regions, creating an invalid read condition that can be amplified into more severe security implications. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which is classified as a weakness that can lead to buffer overflows and memory corruption attacks. The vulnerability directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as it creates conditions that can be exploited by attackers to execute malicious code through improperly validated inputs.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12471 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems or cause complete system crashes. In network environments where CCN-lite is deployed for content distribution, this vulnerability can be exploited to disrupt services, compromise data integrity, or gain unauthorized access to network resources. The context-dependent nature of the attack means that exploitation requires specific conditions related to the type of data being processed and the network environment in which CCN-lite operates. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious network packets or data structures that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition, potentially leading to privilege escalation or information disclosure. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning in environments where CCN-lite serves as a core component of content delivery infrastructure, as it can affect the reliability and security of distributed content distribution systems.
Organizations utilizing CCN-lite software must implement immediate mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, including upgrading to version 2.00 or later where the bounds checking has been properly implemented. The recommended approach involves not only software patching but also network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts through anomalous packet patterns or memory access violations. Security teams should implement intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious network traffic patterns associated with this vulnerability, while also conducting regular vulnerability assessments to ensure that no other components of the CCN-lite framework contain similar bounds checking flaws. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, and system hardening measures should be implemented to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in security-critical software components, particularly in network protocols where malformed input can lead to memory corruption and system compromise. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain awareness of similar vulnerabilities in other network protocol implementations.