CVE-2017-9454 in ReSIProcate
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the ares_parse_a_reply function in the embedded ares library in ReSIProcate before 1.12.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds-read) via a crafted DNS request.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9454 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the ares_parse_a_reply function of the embedded ares library component in the ReSIProcate software suite. This issue affects versions prior to 1.12.0 and demonstrates a classic out-of-bounds read condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks. The vulnerability resides in the DNS resolution parsing functionality that processes DNS response data from authoritative servers, creating a pathway for malicious input to trigger memory access violations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the ares_parse_a_reply function which fails to properly bounds-check data received from DNS responses during the parsing process. When a maliciously crafted DNS request is processed, the function attempts to read beyond allocated memory boundaries, resulting in an out-of-bounds read condition that can cause application crashes or unpredictable behavior. This flaw operates at the intersection of network protocol handling and memory management, where the parsing logic does not adequately verify the size or structure of incoming DNS response data before attempting to access memory locations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking allows memory access beyond allocated buffers, and specifically manifests as a CWE-125 out-of-bounds read scenario.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9454 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the availability and stability of systems relying on ReSIProcate for SIP communications. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting specially formatted DNS responses that trigger the buffer overflow condition when the affected software attempts to parse these responses. The consequences include complete service outages, application crashes, and potential system instability that can affect VoIP services, SIP-based communication platforms, and any infrastructure dependent on the affected software components. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where DNS resolution is critical for establishing communication sessions, making it a significant concern for enterprise communication environments and service providers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of patched versions of ReSIProcate software, specifically version 1.12.0 or later where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect and block malformed DNS responses that could be used in exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that all affected systems undergo comprehensive security assessments. The fix typically involves strengthening the input validation within the ares_parse_a_reply function to properly handle edge cases in DNS response structures, implementing proper memory bounds checking, and adding defensive programming measures that prevent access to memory regions beyond the expected data boundaries. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify patterns consistent with this specific vulnerability exploitation attempts, as recommended by the MITRE ATT&CK framework's approach to network service exploitation techniques.