CVE-2024-41184 in keepalived
Summary
by MITRE • 07/18/2024
In the vrrp_ipsets_handler handler (fglobal_parser.c) of keepalived through 2.3.1, an integer overflow can occur. NOTE: this CVE Record might not be worthwhile because an empty ipset name must be configured by the user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-41184 affects the keepalived software version 2.3.1 and earlier, specifically within the vrrp_ipsets_handler function located in the fglobal_parser.c source file. This integer overflow represents a potential security risk that could be exploited under specific conditions. The flaw manifests in the handling of ipset names during the parsing process, where improper integer arithmetic could lead to unexpected behavior in memory management and data processing. Keepalived is a widely-used routing software that implements vrrp protocols for high availability and fault tolerance in network infrastructure, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for critical network operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from an integer overflow condition that occurs when processing ipset names within the vrrp_ipsets_handler function. When an empty ipset name is configured by the user, the system attempts to perform arithmetic operations on integer values that can exceed their maximum representable range. This overflow condition can result in unpredictable program behavior, potentially leading to memory corruption, buffer overflows, or other destabilizing effects within the keepalived daemon. The vulnerability requires a specific configuration scenario where users must explicitly provide an empty ipset name, which creates a path where integer overflow can be triggered during the parsing phase. This aligns with CWE-190, which describes integer overflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant within environments that rely on keepalived for high availability services and virtual router redundancy protocols. Network administrators using keepalived for load balancing, failover mechanisms, and service redundancy may experience service disruptions, daemon crashes, or potential privilege escalation if the integer overflow leads to memory corruption. The vulnerability's exploitation requires specific user configuration, making it less likely to occur in default installations, but it still represents a risk in environments where administrators configure empty ipset names as part of their network management practices. The potential for denial of service attacks against critical network infrastructure makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise and cloud environments where keepalived is extensively deployed.
While the vulnerability requires an empty ipset name to be configured by the user, making it less likely to occur in normal operations, the potential impact warrants attention from security teams. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to keepalived version 2.3.2 or later, which includes patches addressing the integer overflow condition in the vrrp_ipsets_handler function. Organizations should also implement strict configuration management policies to prevent the use of empty ipset names in production environments where keepalived is deployed. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual configuration patterns and potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through software vulnerabilities, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper configuration controls. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential exploitation vectors while keeping the software updated to prevent any potential attack surface expansion.