CVE-2024-40763 - Heap-based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability in SonicWall SMA100 SSLVPN Due to the Use of Strcpy Allows Remote Code Execution

In today’s world, SSL VPNs serve as a secure channel for communication between remote locations over the Internet. SonicWall SMA100 is one such SSL VPN that provides secure remote access to company networks for employees and partners. However, a recent critical vulnerability - CVE-2024-40763 - has been discovered in SonicWall SMA100 SSL VPN, which potentially allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected device. This potential exploit is due to a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the SonicWall SMA100 SSLVPN, which arises due to the insecure use of the strcpy function.

In this post, we will discuss the technical aspects of this vulnerability and how it can be exploited. We will also provide links to patches and mitigation measures provided by SonicWall to fix this issue.

Vulnerability Details

This vulnerability is caused by a heap-based buffer overflow issue that mainly arises due to the improper use of the strcpy function in a part of the SonicWall SMA100 SSLVPN codebase. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted input to a vulnerable target system, eventually leading to heap-based buffer overflow and arbitrary code execution.

Here's a simplified example of how this vulnerability can manifest in code

#include <string.h>

void vulnerable_function(char *input) {
    char vulnerable_buffer[100];
    strcpy(vulnerable_buffer, input);
}

In the example above, the strcpy function is used to copy the contents of input into vulnerable_buffer. However, this approach is flawed as strcpy does not check if enough space is available in the destination buffer (vulnerable_buffer), causing a heap-based buffer overflow.

This vulnerability has been classified as CVE-2024-40763 and given a CVSSv3 score of 8.8 by SonicWall, indicating a high criticality.

Exploit Process

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker needs to gain remote access to a SonicWall SMA100 SSLVPN device as an authenticated user. Once authenticated, the attacker can craft and send specific input to specific functions within the vulnerable target system. This input must be designed such that it triggers the heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability, ultimately leading to arbitrary code execution on the affected device.

While the detailed process of exploiting this vulnerability remains undisclosed, it is essential that SonicWall SMA100 SSLVPN users are aware of it and apply the necessary patches and mitigation measures as soon as possible.

Below are the links to the official SonicWall resources related to this vulnerability

1. SonicWall Security Advisory: CVE-2024-40763
2. SonicWall Patch for SMA100 SSLVPN Devices: Download Link (Please ensure you choose the correct firmware version applicable to your device)

Mitigation Measures

SonicWall recommends the following mitigation measures for users who may be unable to immediately deploy the patch:

Limit the number of users with access to the vulnerable devices.

3. Monitor the utilization of CPU, memory, and network resources on the affected devices for abnormal spikes or patterns, which may indicate an attempted exploit.

Regularly review device logs for signs of unauthorized access or malicious activity.

In conclusion, CVE-202.ContentAlignment-2022_SPIEGEL_online_Redaktionlated to the SonicWall SMA100 SSLVPN is a high-criticality vulnerability that can lead to remote code execution if exploited. Users of these devices must stay informed and act quickly to apply patches and follow the recommended mitigation measures to protect their networks from potential attacks.

Timeline

Published on: 12/05/2024 14:15:20 UTC
Last modified on: 12/05/2024 17:15:11 UTC