Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server Remote Manager Heap Overflow iDefense Security Advisory 01.13.06 http://www.idefense.com/application/poi/display?type=vulnerabilities January 13, 2006 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/1af470a99a73 6eb966cc0e52fb71ee98.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 (at) idefense (dot) com [email concealed] 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.