Privilege escalation in Network Time Protocol

1) Stack-based buffer overflow

EUVDB-ID: #VU14448

Risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 8.3 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:U/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2018-12327

CWE-ID: CWE-121 - Stack-based buffer overflow

Exploit availability: Yes

Description

The vulnerability allows a local attacker to gain elevated privileges on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to stack-based buffer overflow in the Network Time Protocol Query (ntpq) program and Network Time Protocol daemon (ntpd) when handling malicious input. A local attacker can submit a long string argument for an IPv4 or IPv6 command-line parameter, trigger memory corruption and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Mitigation

Cybersecurity Help is currently unaware of any solutions addressing the vulnerability.

Vulnerable software versions

Network Time Protocol: 4.2.0a - 4.2.8p11

External links

http://gist.github.com/fakhrizulkifli/9b58ed8e0354e8deee50b0eebd1c011f

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.