CVE-2009-1251

Heap-based buffer overflow in the cache manager in the client in OpenAFS 1.0 through 1.4.8 and 1.5.0 through 1.5.58 on Unix platforms allows remote attackers…

published April 9, 2009

CVSS
—
EPSS
6%
Percentile
93.7
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A heap-based buffer overflow in OpenAFS could lead to a system crash or even worse! Attackers can throw unexpected data at it like a surprise party gone wrong! 🎉 Think of it like a delivery truck that's overloaded with packages. If too many boxes are stuffed inside beyond the truck's capacity, it could crash, causing chaos on the road! This vulnerability allows attackers to overflow the system's memory limits in a similar fashion, leading to potential disasters. An attacker could send a specially crafted RX response that overwhelms the cache manager, causing a denial of service that crashes the system. In a worst-case scenario, they might even be able to execute arbitrary code, putting sensitive data at risk. Absolutely devastating for any organization relying on OpenAFS!

Put simply

Think of it like a delivery truck that's overloaded with packages. If too many boxes are stuffed inside beyond the truck's capacity, it could crash, causing chaos on the road! This vulnerability allows attackers to overflow the system's memory limits in a similar fashion, leading to potential disasters. This vulnerability arises from a buffer overflow in the cache manager component of OpenAFS, affecting versions 1.0 through 1.4.8 and 1.5.0 through 1.5.58 on Unix platforms. The issue occurs when the system tries to handle an RX response containing more data than expected due to the mishandling of XDR arrays.

What to do

An attacker could send a specially crafted RX response that overwhelms the cache manager, causing a denial of service that crashes the system. In a worst-case scenario, they might even be able to execute arbitrary code, putting sensitive data at risk. Absolutely devastating for any organization relying on OpenAFS! To protect your systems, consider upgrading OpenAFS to the latest version beyond 1.5.58, as this may resolve the vulnerability. Regularly audit your configurations and monitor any unusual activity that might indicate an attempted exploit. Keep your security patches up to date! You’ve got this! With these steps, you can fortify your defenses and keep your systems running smoothly. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.06438 · 93.7th percentile
Published
2009-04-09T00:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 09 APR 00:00Z
    Heap-based buffer overflow in the cache manager in the client in OpenAFS 1.0 through 1.4.8 and 1.5.0 through 1.5.58 on Unix platforms allows remote attackers…
    cvelistv5