CVE-2017-8798 in MiniUPnPc
Summary
by MITRE
Integer signedness error in MiniUPnP MiniUPnPc v1.4.20101221 through v2.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8798 represents a critical integer signedness error within the MiniUPnPc library version 1.4.20101221 through 2.0. This flaw exists in the implementation of the miniupnpc library which is widely used for UPnP protocol communication in various network devices and applications. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer values during network packet processing, specifically when dealing with unsigned and signed integer operations within the library's internal functions.
The technical flaw manifests as a signedness error where the library fails to properly validate or convert integer values during UPnP message parsing operations. When remote attackers send malformed UPnP packets containing crafted integer values, the library's processing logic encounters unexpected behavior due to the incorrect assumption about integer sign properties. This error condition can occur during buffer size calculations, packet length validation, or other integer-based operations within the UPnP communication stack. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-191 category of Integer Underflow (Wrap or Wraparound) which specifically addresses situations where integer operations produce results that are outside the expected range due to improper handling of signedness properties.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable more severe security consequences. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to cause application crashes, system instability, or in some cases potentially execute arbitrary code depending on the specific implementation context. The vulnerability affects numerous network devices including routers, firewalls, and network appliances that utilize the MiniUPnPc library for UPnP functionality. When exploited, the integer signedness error can lead to complete service disruption, forcing network administrators to restart affected devices and potentially exposing the network to further attacks during the recovery period.
The exploitation of CVE-2017-8798 aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Execution and Defense Evasion. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform persistent denial of service attacks against network infrastructure, potentially disrupting critical network services. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects widely deployed network infrastructure components, making it attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise network availability. Network defenders should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where UPnP services are enabled and exposed to untrusted networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8798 require immediate patching of affected systems using updated versions of the MiniUPnPc library that properly handle integer signedness operations. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit UPnP service exposure, disable unnecessary UPnP functionality on network devices, and monitor for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, network administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all devices using vulnerable versions of the library and ensure proper network access controls are implemented to prevent unauthorized remote access to UPnP-enabled services. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and integer handling in network protocol implementations, highlighting the need for security-focused development practices and thorough code review processes.