CVE-2017-12472 in CCN-lite
Summary
by MITRE
ccnl-ext-mgmt.c in CCN-lite before 2.00 allows context-dependent attackers to have unspecified impact by leveraging missing NULL pointer checks after ccnl_malloc.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12472 resides within the CCN-lite software library, specifically in the ccnl-ext-mgmt.c component. This issue affects versions prior to 2.00 and represents a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate memory management practices. The vulnerability manifests when the system fails to perform proper NULL pointer validation following memory allocation operations conducted through ccnl_malloc function calls. This particular weakness falls under the broader category of memory safety issues that are frequently exploited in software systems.
The technical flaw in question represents a classic null pointer dereference vulnerability that occurs when the software attempts to access memory locations that have not been properly initialized or validated. When ccnl_malloc allocates memory for various management operations, the subsequent code fails to verify whether the allocation was successful or if the returned pointer is NULL. This oversight creates a potential exploitation vector where malicious actors can manipulate the system into attempting to dereference null pointers, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes or hangs. Attackers can leverage this weakness to cause denial of service conditions, potentially allowing them to disrupt network communications within CCN-lite based systems. The unspecified impact mentioned in the CVE description suggests that depending on the specific execution context and system configuration, attackers might be able to escalate privileges, execute arbitrary code, or gain unauthorized access to system resources. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in networked environments where CCN-lite serves as a content-centric networking protocol implementation.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions in software implementations. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059 which involves command and scripting interpreter usage, as exploitation might involve manipulating system processes through memory corruption. Organizations implementing CCN-lite should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where content-centric networking is utilized for critical communications.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to CCN-lite version 2.00 or later, which includes proper NULL pointer checks following memory allocation operations. Additionally, system administrators should implement robust input validation and memory management practices throughout their network infrastructure. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the network stack. The fix typically involves adding explicit NULL pointer validation checks after each ccnl_malloc call to ensure that allocated memory is properly handled before any subsequent operations are performed.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in security-critical software components and serves as a reminder that seemingly minor implementation oversights can lead to significant security risks. The remediation process requires careful attention to ensure that all memory allocation points are properly validated while maintaining the intended functionality of the CCN-lite system. Organizations should also consider implementing automated code analysis tools that can detect similar patterns of memory management flaws in their software development lifecycle to prevent such vulnerabilities from being introduced in the first place.