CVE-2019-6443 Scanner

NTPsec is a secure, hardened, and improved implementation of the Network Time Protocol (NTP), which is used by organizations across the globe to synchronize time across computer systems. This software plays a critical role in ensuring accurate and precise timekeeping, which is crucial for various applications such as networked systems, transaction logging, and more. The software is predominantly used by enterprises that require enhanced security features over traditional NTP solutions. Its purpose is to maintain a reliable and accurate time source to support business operations. Managed by a community of developers, NTPsec is designed to replace outdated and insecure NTP implementations. It continues to evolve, focusing on secure time service delivery for public and private sectors.

The Memory Corruption vulnerability in NTPsec versions prior to 1.1.3 presents a significant security risk for systems relying on this protocol. This vulnerability emerges from a stack-based buffer over-read condition within the ctl_getitem function in ntp_control.c, which can be remotely triggered. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can cause unauthorized access to sensitive memory contents, potentially leading to information disclosure. The ease of exploitation, given the remote attack vector and lack of authentication requirements, further increases its severity. This vulnerability highlights the need for timely patches and updates in time-critical systems. Such issues, if unmitigated, could pave the way for more complex attack sequences.

The vulnerability in NTPsec manifests specifically through improper handling of control requests in ctl_getitem within read_sysvars in ntp_control.c. The vulnerability is activated when an attacker sends specially crafted control requests. These can lead to out-of-bounds memory read operations, which, on successful execution, allows attackers to extract memory content beyond the intended buffer scope. The endpoint vulnerable to this exploit is the control requests endpoint, while the parameter affected involves how NTPsec processes these crafted packets. Attackers can leverage the lack of robust input validations to execute this malicious control packet crafting technique.

The potential effects of exploiting this Memory Corruption vulnerability are grave, as it involves unlawful access to sensitive application memory contents. Malicious actors can read memory containing sensitive data, which could lead to exposure of confidential information. Additionally, attackers might piece together enough information to execute more sophisticated attacks, enhance persistence, or pivot to other systems. It undermines the confidentiality and integrity of the NTPsec-using systems, with increased risk of extended breaches if left unchecked. The access to memory may also indirectly affect system availability by enabling the introduction of denial of service through subsequent exploits.

REFERENCES

• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-6443
• https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/46175