CVE-2018-12938 in OpenSLP
Summary
by MITRE
slpd_process.c in OpenSLP 2.0.0 has a double free resulting in denial of service (daemon crash) or possibly unauthenticated remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12938 resides within the slpd_process.c component of OpenSLP version 2.0.0, a widely used implementation of the Service Location Protocol that enables dynamic discovery of network services. This critical flaw manifests as a double free condition that can be exploited through malformed SLP messages processed by the service location daemon. The vulnerability specifically affects the daemon's handling of memory allocation and deallocation routines when processing certain network packets, creating a scenario where the same memory block is freed twice, leading to unpredictable behavior and system instability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends maliciously crafted SLP packets to the target system running the OpenSLP daemon. The double free condition arises from improper memory management within the slpd_process.c file where the application fails to properly track memory allocations and deallocations. When the daemon processes these malformed packets, it attempts to free the same memory location twice, causing heap corruption that can result in either a daemon crash leading to denial of service or potentially allowing remote code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-415 which specifically addresses double free conditions in memory management, representing a fundamental flaw in how the application handles dynamic memory allocation.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-12938 extends beyond simple service disruption as it represents a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks within network environments that rely on SLP for service discovery. Organizations running OpenSLP 2.0.0 are particularly vulnerable since the daemon typically runs with elevated privileges and is often exposed to untrusted network traffic. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication requirements, making it especially dangerous in environments where SLP services are accessible from external networks. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which describes the exploitation of remote services to gain unauthorized access, and T1068 which covers the abuse of elevated privileges through service exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected OpenSLP installations to version 2.0.1 or later where the double free condition has been addressed. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to SLP ports, typically UDP 427, reducing the attack surface. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect malformed SLP traffic patterns will help identify potential exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider disabling SLP services entirely if they are not required, as this eliminates the attack vector altogether. The remediation approach should include thorough vulnerability scanning to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of OpenSLP, along with implementing proper access controls and regular security updates to prevent similar issues from occurring in other software components.