CVE-2017-20241 in IxChariot
Summary
by MITRE • 08/04/2026
Keysight IxChariot Endpoint before 9.5.102 contains a heap-based buffer overflow. An unauthenticated remote attacker can send a specially crafted packet to crash the endpoint or potentially execute arbitrary code.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2026
The Keysight IxChariot Endpoint software represents a critical network performance testing tool widely deployed in enterprise environments for measuring and analyzing network traffic patterns. This particular vulnerability affects versions prior to 9.5.102, exposing systems that rely on this endpoint functionality to significant security risks. The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability emerges from inadequate input validation within the packet processing mechanisms of the software.
The technical flaw manifests when an unauthenticated remote attacker crafts and transmits specially designed packets to the vulnerable endpoint system. This buffer overflow occurs in the heap memory management portion of the application, where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means attackers do not require any authentication credentials or local access to initiate the attack, making it particularly dangerous for networked environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enabling full system compromise. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow can cause the endpoint application to crash and terminate unexpectedly, leading to denial of service conditions that can severely impact network performance testing operations. More critically, the vulnerability may allow remote code execution, providing attackers with the capability to gain unauthorized access to affected systems and potentially escalate privileges within the network environment.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to common weakness enumeration CWE-121, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow conditions in memory management. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a remote code execution technique through network service exploitation, potentially enabling later stages of the attack lifecycle including privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised networks. Organizations utilizing IxChariot Endpoint should prioritize immediate remediation through official vendor patches.
The risk assessment for this vulnerability increases significantly in environments where the endpoint software operates on exposed network interfaces or in cloud deployments without proper network segmentation. Network administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that all instances of IxChariot Endpoint are updated to version 9.5.102 or later to prevent potential compromise of network testing infrastructure and associated operational capabilities.