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OpenSSH "buffer_append_space()" Buffer Management Vulnerability
Secunia Advisory: SA9743
Release Date: 2003-09-16
Last Update: 2003-09-17
Popularity: 15,996 views

Critical:
Highly critical
Impact: DoS
System access
Where: From remote
Solution Status: Vendor Patch

Software:OpenSSH 3.x

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CVE reference:CVE-2003-0693
CVE-2003-0695


Description:
A vulnerability has been reported in OpenSSH, which potentially can be exploited by malicious people to cause a DoS (Denial of Service) or compromise a vulnerable system.

The vulnerability is caused due to a buffer management error in the "buffer_append_space()" function. When OpenSSH receives a packet that is larger than the remaining free space and fails the range check when trying to reallocate a larger buffer, the "fatal()" function is called.

In some circumstances the function may attempt to free memory outside the allocated buffer, which leads to heap corruption. However, it is currently not fully known whether the vulnerability is exploitable or not.

All versions prior to 3.7.1 are vulnerable.

NOTE: This advisory will be updated when more information is available.

Solution:
Update to version 3.7.1:
http://openssh.org/

Restrict access to the SSH service (port 22/tcp) allowing only trusted systems to connect.

Changelog:
2003-09-16: Added CVE reference, link to original advisory and link to CERT vulnerability note. Updated "Description" section.
2003-09-17: Updated vulnerable versions. Openssh.org has changed their advisory to include 3.7 as vulnerable.
2003-09-17: Added links to announcement mails in other references section.

Original Advisory:
http://www.openssh.com/txt/buffer.adv

Other References:
CERT vulnerability note VU#333628:
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/333628

CERT Advisory CA-2003-24:
http://www.cert.org/advisories/CA-2003-24.html

Information about 3.7 release:
http://www.mindrot.org/pipermail/open...x-announce/2003-September/000063.html

Information about 3.7.1 release:
http://www.mindrot.org/pipermail/open...x-announce/2003-September/000064.html


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