Source: cve@mitre.org
Multiple buffer overflows in Microsoft Dynamics GP (formerly Great Plains) 9.0 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a crafted Distributed Process Manager (DPM) message to the (a) DPM component, or a (2) long string or (3) long IP address in a Distributed Process Server (DPS) message to the DPM or (b) DPS component.
Microsoft Dynamics GP versions 9.0 and earlier are vulnerable to multiple remote code execution (RCE) flaws due to buffer overflows in the Distributed Process Manager (DPM) and Distributed Process Server (DPS) components. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration, impacting critical business operations.
Step 1: Target Identification: The attacker identifies a Microsoft Dynamics GP server running a vulnerable version (9.0 or earlier).
Step 2: Message Crafting: The attacker crafts a malicious DPM or DPS message. This message contains either a long string, a long IP address, or a specially crafted DPM message designed to trigger the buffer overflow.
Step 3: Payload Delivery: The attacker sends the crafted message to the DPM or DPS component of the targeted Dynamics GP server. This is typically done over the network.
Step 4: Vulnerability Trigger: The vulnerable component receives the malicious message. Due to the lack of bounds checking, the excessively long string or IP address overwrites the allocated buffer.
Step 5: Code Execution: The buffer overflow overwrites critical memory, potentially overwriting the return address on the stack. When the vulnerable function returns, the program jumps to the attacker-controlled memory, executing the attacker's payload (e.g., shellcode).
Step 6: System Compromise: The attacker's payload executes, granting them control over the server. This can lead to data theft, system manipulation, and further lateral movement within the network.
The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking when handling messages within the DPM and DPS components. Specifically, the software fails to properly validate the size of data received in DPM and DPS messages. Attackers can craft malicious messages containing excessively long strings or IP addresses, triggering a buffer overflow. This overwrites adjacent memory regions, including critical program data, potentially overwriting the return address on the stack. When the vulnerable function returns, control is transferred to the attacker-controlled memory, enabling arbitrary code execution. The root cause is a lack of input validation and improper memory management, leading to a classic stack-based buffer overflow. The specific functions and data structures involved are not explicitly detailed in the CVE, but the description points to the DPM and DPS message handling routines as the vulnerable code.
Due to the age of the vulnerability and the potential for high impact, it is likely that various threat actors, including financially motivated groups and state-sponsored actors, could exploit this vulnerability. There is no specific APT attribution available in the CVE details. CISA KEV status: Not listed.
Monitor network traffic for unusual patterns or large data transfers to the Dynamics GP server, especially on ports used by the DPM/DPS components (specific ports are not identified in the CVE but should be identified through network analysis).
Analyze server logs for suspicious activity, such as unexpected process creation or unusual error messages related to the DPM or DPS components.
Implement intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with rules specifically designed to detect buffer overflow attempts against Dynamics GP.
Monitor file system changes for the creation of suspicious files or modifications to critical system files.
Review network traffic for unusually long strings or IP addresses being sent to the Dynamics GP server.
Upgrade to a supported version of Microsoft Dynamics GP that addresses the vulnerability. This is the most effective mitigation.
If upgrading is not immediately possible, implement network segmentation to isolate the Dynamics GP server from other critical systems.
Implement strong input validation on all data received by the Dynamics GP server, even if the data is not directly related to the vulnerable components.
Apply the latest security patches from Microsoft.
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests.
Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses.
Harden the server by disabling unnecessary services and applying the principle of least privilege.