CVE-2001-0145 in Outlook
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in VCard handler in Outlook 2000 and 98, and Outlook Express 5.x, allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands via a malformed vCard birthday field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0145 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the vCard handling functionality of Microsoft Outlook 2000 and 98, as well as Outlook Express 5.x email clients. This security weakness resides in the way these applications process vCard data structures, specifically when parsing the birthday field attribute. The buffer overflow occurs when the application attempts to store user-provided birthday information into a fixed-size memory buffer without proper bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
This technical flaw falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient validation of input data allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the email client's contact management system, making it accessible through routine email interactions. When a maliciously crafted vCard is received, the application's failure to properly validate the birthday field length enables an attacker to overwrite critical memory segments, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can be exploited through social engineering tactics where attackers craft specially formatted vCard files to be opened by unsuspecting users. This attack vector aligns with the ATT&CK framework's T1204.002 technique for legitimate credentials and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as the exploit can execute commands on the target system. The vulnerability affects organizations heavily reliant on Microsoft email solutions, particularly those with users who frequently exchange contact information through email communications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Microsoft applications through official security updates, as Microsoft released patches specifically addressing this buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement email filtering measures to block suspicious vCard attachments and disable automatic contact information parsing in email clients. Network administrators should consider implementing email gateway scanning to identify and quarantine potentially malicious vCard data. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening unknown vCard files and the importance of keeping software updated forms a critical component of defense-in-depth strategies. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper memory management in client-side applications, highlighting how seemingly benign contact data can become a vector for system compromise.