CVE-2017-9765 in gSOAP
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the soap_get function in Genivia gSOAP 2.7.x and 2.8.x before 2.8.48, as used on Axis cameras and other devices, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (stack-based buffer overflow and application crash) via a large XML document, aka Devil's Ivy. NOTE: the large document would be blocked by many common web-server configurations on general-purpose computers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2021
The CVE-2017-9765 vulnerability represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the gSOAP library implementation that affects numerous networked devices including Axis cameras and other embedded systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the soap_get function in Genivia gSOAP versions 2.7.x and 2.8.x prior to 2.8.48, creating a dangerous condition where malformed XML data can trigger unexpected behavior in the application's memory management. The flaw operates at the intersection of software security and embedded systems exploitation, making it particularly concerning for IoT and networked device ecosystems where such libraries are commonly deployed.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves an integer overflow condition that occurs during XML parsing operations within the soap_get function. When processing large XML documents, the function fails to properly validate integer values that determine buffer allocation sizes, leading to a situation where an attacker can manipulate the XML structure to cause the application to allocate insufficient memory for data processing. This overflow results in a stack-based buffer overflow condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or induce denial of service scenarios. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and demonstrates how improper integer handling can lead to memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9765 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable full system compromise through remote code execution. Attackers can craft specially formatted XML documents that exploit the integer overflow to overwrite stack memory, potentially allowing them to inject and execute malicious code on affected devices. This capability transforms the vulnerability from a mere service disruption into a serious security threat that could enable persistent access to networked devices. The attack surface includes not only Axis cameras but any device utilizing the vulnerable gSOAP library version, creating a widespread potential impact across multiple vendors and device types. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables both remote code execution and system command manipulation.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires careful crafting of XML payloads that can trigger the integer overflow condition while bypassing common web server protections. Many standard web server configurations would block such large documents by default, but embedded systems and network devices often have more permissive configurations that make them susceptible to this attack vector. The vulnerability's discovery and naming as "Devil's Ivy" reflects its potential for serious exploitation, particularly in environments where devices are not regularly updated or patched. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, firewall rules to limit XML processing capabilities, and regular firmware updates to mitigate this risk. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and integer overflow protection in embedded systems development, particularly when dealing with network protocols and XML parsing libraries that handle untrusted data from external sources.