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/1af470a99a736eb966cc0e52fb71ee98.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.

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X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2006 iDefense, Inc.

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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.