I. BACKGROUND
Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is a platform for open source
computing in an enterprise environment.
II. DESCRIPTION
Remote exploitation of a heap overflow vulnerability in Novell Inc.'s
Open Enterprise Server Remote Manager allows attackers to execute
arbitrary code.
III. ANALYSIS
The vulnerability specifically exists due to improper handling of a an
HTTP POST request with a negative Content-Length paramater. When such a
request is received, controllable heap corruption occurs which can lead
to the execution of arbitrary code using traditional Linux heap overflow
methods. The following HTTP request can be used to trigger this
vulnerability.
POST / HTTP/1.0
Content-Length: -900
DATA_THAT_WILL_BE_USED_TO_OVERWRITE_THE_HEAP
iDefense Labs testing has determined that with careful manipulation of
the string, an arbitrary 4 byte write may be achieved which can be used
to gain execution control.
IV. DETECTION
iDefense has confirmed this vulnerability in Novell SUSE Linux
Enterprise Server 9. All previous versions are suspected vulnerable.
Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server components are included in Novell
Open Enterprise Server; as such, Open Enterprise Server is also
vulnerable.
V. WORKAROUND
iDefense is currently unaware of any workarounds for this issue.
VI. VENDOR RESPONSE
Novell has released the following advisories to address this issue:
http://portal.suse.com/psdb/1af470a99a736eb966cc0e52fb71ee98.html
http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/searchtid.cgi?psdb/1af470a99a
736eb966cc0e52fb71ee98.html
SUSE has released the following advisories to address this issue:
http://www.novell.com/linux/security/advisories/2006_02_novellnrm.html
VII. CVE INFORMATION
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CVE-2005-3655 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
11/15/2005 Initial vendor notification
11/15/2005 Initial vendor response
01/13/2006 Coordinated public disclosure
IX. CREDIT
The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous.
Get paid for vulnerability research
http://www.idefense.com/poi/teams/vcp.jsp
Free tools, research and upcoming events
http://labs.idefense.com
X. LEGAL NOTICES
Copyright © 2006 iDefense, Inc.
Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert
electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express
written consent of iDefense. If you wish to reprint the whole or any
part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically, please
email customerservice@idefense.com for permission.
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.
