iDefense Security Advisory 10.21.06: Novell eDirectory NCP over IP length Heap Overflow VulnerabilityiDefense Security Advisory 10.21.06: Novell eDirectory NCP over IP length Heap Overflow Vulnerability

Novell eDirectory NCP over IP length Heap Overflow Vulnerability

iDefense Security Advisory 10.21.06
http://www.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/
Oct 21, 2006

I. BACKGROUND

Novell eDirectory is a cross-platform lightweight directory access
protocol (LDAP) server. In addition to LDAP, eDirectory also implements
NCP over IP. More information can be obtained from the Novell's web
site at http://www.novell.com/products/edirectory/

II. DESCRIPTION

Remote exploitation of a heap overflow vulnerability in Novell Inc.'s
eDirectory product could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in
the context of the running daemon.

This vulnerability specifically exists within the NCP functionality of
eDirectory. A specially crafted packet will cause eDirectory to read a
user specified amount of user supplied data into a static sized heap
buffer. The NCP engine does not verify that the supplied data will fit
inside the allocated heap buffer bounds. As such, a heap buffer
overflow Curr's.

III. ANALYSIS

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to
crash the server or execute arbitrary code. No credentials are required.
Typically this daemon runs with administrator privileges.

IV. DETECTION

iDefense has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in version
8.8.1 of Novell Inc.'s eDirectory server. Version 8.8 was also tested
and found to be vulnerable. Earlier versions are suspected to be
vulnerable.

V. WORKAROUND

iDefense is unaware of any effective workaround for this issue.

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

Novell has addressed this vulnerability with eDirectory 8.8.1 FTF1.

You can obtain the Linux/Unix version of this update from their site at:
http://support.novell.com/servlet/filedownload/sec/pub/edir881ftf_1.tgz/
The windows version of this update is available at:
http://support.novell.com/servlet/filedownload/sec/pub/edir881ftf_1.exe/

VII. CVE INFORMATION

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CVE-2006-4177 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org), which standardizes names for
security problems.

VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

08/16/2006 Initial vendor notification
08/17/2006 Initial vendor response
10/06/2006 Second vendor notification
10/20/2006 Vendor update released
10/21/2006 Public disclosure

IX. CREDIT

The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous.

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X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2006 iDefense, Inc.

Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert
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Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate
at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.
There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the
author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect,
or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on,
this information.