CVE-2017-15950 in SyncBreeze Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
Flexense SyncBreeze Enterprise version 10.1.16 is vulnerable to a buffer overflow that can be exploited for arbitrary code execution. The flaw is triggered by providing a long input into the "Destination directory" field, either within an XML document or through use of passive mode.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15950 affects Flexense SyncBreeze Enterprise version 10.1.16 and represents a critical buffer overflow condition that enables remote code execution. This flaw resides within the application's handling of user-supplied input in the destination directory field, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through multiple attack vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which describes unsafe buffer access conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation mechanism occurs when an attacker provides an excessively long input string to the destination directory field, which can be manipulated either through XML document injection or by utilizing passive mode functionality. When the application processes this malformed input, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the length of the provided string, causing a buffer overflow condition in the memory allocation. This overflow can overwrite critical program execution data such as return addresses, function pointers, or other control structures, allowing an attacker to redirect program execution flow to malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can be leveraged for privilege escalation and persistent access within compromised systems. Attackers can craft specially formatted XML documents or manipulate passive mode connections to deliver payloads that exploit the buffer overflow, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects enterprise environments where SyncBreeze is deployed for file synchronization and management, making it particularly concerning for organizations handling sensitive data. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) techniques, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code and potentially escalate privileges within the affected environment.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the affected SyncBreeze Enterprise version to address the buffer overflow condition, while also implementing input validation controls at multiple layers of the application architecture. Organizations should consider network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, along with monitoring for unusual XML processing patterns or passive mode connection attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting and runtime application protection measures can provide defense-in-depth against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in enterprise file synchronization software, as highlighted by industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure coding practices.