CVE-2022-41023 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 'vpn pptp advanced name WORD dns (yes|no) mtu <128-16384> mru <128-16384> mppe (on|off) stateful (on|off)' command template.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2025
The CVE-2022-41023 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the DetranCLI command parsing functionality of Siretta QUARTZ-GOLD G5.0.1.5-210720-141020 network security device. This flaw resides in the command processing logic that handles VPN PPTP advanced configuration parameters, specifically within the function responsible for parsing the 'vpn pptp advanced name WORD dns (yes|no) mtu <128-16384> mru <128-16384> mppe (on|off) stateful (on|off)' command template. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking when processing user-supplied parameters, creating an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic buffer overflow scenario where the application fails to properly validate the length of input parameters passed to the DetranCLI parsing function. When an attacker crafts a malicious network packet containing oversized or malformed parameters within the specified VPN PPTP command structure, the application's memory management routines become compromised. The stack-based nature of this overflow means that the attacker can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack variables, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway for complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the DetranCLI process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions. This could lead to unauthorized access to the network device's configuration, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through network-based attacks without requiring physical access or authentication, making it a prime target for remote exploitation. The specific command template mentioned in the vulnerability description suggests that attackers can manipulate multiple parameters including DNS settings, MTU/MRU values, MPPE encryption states, and stateful processing options, each of which could contribute to the overflow condition.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-41023 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Siretta QUARTZ-GOLD G5 devices, as this represents a critical security flaw that could enable complete system compromise. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to the affected device, while monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) indicates that exploitation might involve command execution and DNS tunneling activities. Network administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed VPN PPTP command sequences and monitor for unusual command execution patterns. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices including input validation, bounds checking, and proper memory management in network security appliances, as this flaw demonstrates how insufficient parameter validation can create severe security implications in enterprise network infrastructure.