CVE-2018-25427 in Arm Whois
Summary
by MITRE • 06/02/2026
Arm Whois 3.11 contains a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by supplying oversized input to the IP address or domain field. Attackers can craft malicious input exceeding 658 bytes with shellcode to overwrite the structured exception handler and gain command execution when the application processes the input.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2026
The Arm Whois 3.11 software presents a critical stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that fundamentally compromises system security through improper input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of IP address and domain name fields, where the software fails to properly bounds-check user-supplied data before processing. The flaw manifests when attackers submit input exceeding 658 bytes, creating a condition where memory allocated on the stack becomes overwritten beyond its intended boundaries. This specific buffer size threshold represents a well-defined attack vector that aligns with common exploitation techniques targeting structured exception handling mechanisms within windows operating environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a precise methodology that leverages the predictable nature of stack memory layout and exception handling structures. When oversized input is processed, the buffer overflow extends beyond the allocated stack space and specifically targets the structured exception handler table entry. This overwrite allows attackers to redirect program execution flow by injecting malicious shellcode within the oversized input payload. The attack vector operates through the manipulation of stack-based memory structures that contain exception handling routines, enabling adversaries to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running application process. This represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario that directly violates security principles of memory safety and input validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, creating a comprehensive attack surface that enables full system compromise. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems running Arm Whois 3.11, potentially escalating privileges and establishing persistent access points within network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such tools may be deployed across multiple locations. The implications include potential data exfiltration, system disruption, and the establishment of backdoors that could persist across system reboots, fundamentally undermining the security posture of organizations relying on vulnerable implementations.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the application's parsing logic to prevent oversized data from being processed through stack-based buffers. Software vendors should implement stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and other exploit mitigation techniques to make successful exploitation more difficult. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit this specific vulnerability. The mitigation strategy should also include regular security updates and patch management processes to ensure that vulnerable versions of Arm Whois are promptly replaced with secure implementations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow and represents a typical attack pattern that would be catalogued under attack technique T1059 in the ATT&CK framework, specifically targeting remote code execution through application layer vulnerabilities.