CVE-2017-16930 in Dual GPU Miner
Summary
by MITRE
The remote management interface on the Claymore Dual GPU miner 10.1 allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code due to a stack-based buffer overflow in the request handler. This can be exploited via a long API request that is mishandled during logging.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2019
The Claymore Dual GPU miner version 10.1 contains a critical stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in its remote management interface that affects the request handler component. This vulnerability exists within the logging mechanism that processes API requests, creating an exploitable condition where an unauthenticated attacker can remotely execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking during the processing of API requests that are logged by the miner application. When a specially crafted API request containing excessive data is sent to the management interface, the application fails to properly validate the request length before copying data to a fixed-size stack buffer, resulting in a buffer overflow condition. The vulnerability specifically manifests during the logging phase of API request processing, where the application attempts to store the request data in a stack-based buffer that is insufficiently sized to accommodate the incoming data. This allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory and potentially redirect execution flow to malicious code, enabling remote code execution without requiring authentication credentials. The stack-based buffer overflow represents a classic software flaw that falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions. This vulnerability presents a significant security risk as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the mining system, potentially leading to complete system compromise, unauthorized mining operations, or use of the compromised system for further attacks. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as the attacker can gain full control over the mining operations, modify mining parameters, access system resources, and potentially use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other networked devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for organizations deploying Claymore Dual GPU miners, particularly in environments where network exposure is not properly restricted. Since the vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote code execution, attackers can exploit it from any network location without requiring valid credentials, making it especially dangerous in publicly accessible mining deployments. The mining hardware becomes a potential entry point for broader network attacks, as attackers can leverage the compromised system to establish persistence, install additional malware, or use the system's computational resources for malicious purposes. The vulnerability affects the core management functionality of the mining software, which typically runs on standard network ports, making it easily discoverable by automated scanning tools. This creates a significant risk for organizations that have not properly segmented their mining infrastructure or implemented proper network access controls. The buffer overflow can be exploited through a simple API request manipulation technique where attackers craft malicious requests that exceed the buffer size, causing the stack to be overwritten with controlled data. The exploitation process involves sending a long API request that triggers the logging code path, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute attacker-controlled code. Organizations using this mining software without proper network segmentation or access controls face substantial risk of unauthorized access and potential financial loss due to compromised mining operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate network-level protections combined with software updates and access controls. The most effective immediate mitigation involves restricting network access to the mining interface through firewalls and access control lists, limiting access to trusted network segments only. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate mining infrastructure from other critical systems, preventing lateral movement if exploitation occurs. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual API request patterns or excessive data transfers that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify additional vulnerabilities in mining infrastructure. The manufacturer should provide a patched version addressing the buffer overflow condition, which typically involves implementing proper input validation, bounds checking, and secure buffer handling mechanisms. The fix should ensure that API request data is properly validated before logging, with appropriate size limits and buffer management to prevent overflow conditions. System administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date threat intelligence on mining malware. Additionally, organizations should review their mining infrastructure security posture and implement principle of least privilege access controls, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access management interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in network services, particularly in environments where remote access is required. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect and alert on suspicious API request patterns that might indicate attempts to exploit similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities. The incident highlights the need for regular security updates and vulnerability assessments of mining software, as these systems often operate in unsecured environments with limited monitoring and access controls. Proper incident response procedures should be established to quickly detect and respond to exploitation attempts, including network isolation of affected systems and forensic analysis of compromised devices.