CVE-2022-40995 in QUARTZ-GOLD
Summary
by MITRE • 01/27/2023
Several stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities exist in the DetranCLI command parsing functionality of Siretta QUARTZ-GOLD G5.0.1.5-210720-141020. A specially-crafted network packet can lead to arbitrary command execution. An attacker can send a sequence of requests to trigger these vulnerabilities.This buffer overflow is in the function that manages the 'firmwall srcmac (WORD|null) srcip (A.B.C.D|null) dstip (A.B.C.D|null) protocol (none|tcp|udp|icmp) srcport (<1-65535>|null) dstport (<1-65535>|null) policy (drop|accept) description (WORD|null)' command template.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2025
The CVE-2022-40995 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the DetranCLI command parsing component of Siretta QUARTZ-GOLD G5.0.1.5-210720-141020 network security appliance. This vulnerability resides within the command processing functionality that handles firewall rule configuration commands, specifically targeting the parsing of complex network policy parameters including source and destination MAC addresses, IP addresses, protocol types, port numbers, and policy actions. The flaw manifests when the system processes network packets containing malformed or excessively long command parameters, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability due to its potential for arbitrary code execution and system compromise. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through command injection, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the function responsible for parsing the specific firewall command template that includes multiple parameter types and constraints. The command structure accepts various data types including WORD (alphanumeric strings), A.B.C.D formatted IP addresses, numeric port values ranging from 1-65535, and protocol identifiers. When an attacker crafts malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer space for any of these parameters, the stack memory layout becomes corrupted, potentially overwriting return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the command parsing layer, meaning that any network packet containing crafted firewall configuration commands could trigger the overflow. The buffer overflow occurs during the processing of user-supplied input without proper bounds checking, allowing for direct memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to network security infrastructure as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected QUARTZ-GOLD device. The attack vector requires only the ability to send specially crafted network packets to the device, making it accessible to attackers with network connectivity to the target system. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, modify firewall rules, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoors. The impact extends beyond immediate device compromise as the QUARTZ-GOLD appliance serves as a critical network security component, potentially enabling attackers to bypass network protections and move laterally within the network infrastructure. Organizations relying on this device for firewall management would face significant security implications, including potential data breaches and unauthorized access to protected network segments. The vulnerability's exploitation capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables arbitrary command execution through the legitimate command parsing interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-40995 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Siretta to address the buffer overflow vulnerability. Network administrators should implement strict input validation and access controls, limiting network exposure to the affected device through firewall rules and network segmentation. The principle of least privilege should be applied to restrict command execution permissions and limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Monitoring network traffic for suspicious command sequences and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling unnecessary command parsing functionality and regularly review firewall configurations to minimize attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in network security appliances, aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-144 and OWASP Top Ten security guidelines. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar issues in other network infrastructure components.