CVE-2002-0028 in ICQ
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in ICQ before 2001B Beta v5.18 Build #3659 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a Voice Video & Games request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0028 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the ICQ instant messaging client software prior to version 2001B Beta v5.18 Build #3659. This security weakness specifically manifests when the application processes incoming Voice Video & Games requests from remote attackers, creating an exploitable condition that could lead to arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems. The buffer overflow occurs due to insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the application's handling of multimedia request data structures, allowing attackers to overflow memory buffers and potentially overwrite critical program execution elements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the ICQ client's multimedia request processing subsystem. When the application receives a malformed Voice Video & Games request, it fails to properly validate the size or content of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. This classic buffer overflow scenario enables attackers to craft specially crafted packets that exceed the allocated buffer space, causing memory corruption that can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to users of outdated ICQ versions as it enables remote code execution without requiring any local privileges or user interaction beyond receiving an incoming request. Attackers can exploit this flaw to install malware, establish backdoors, or gain full system control of vulnerable machines. The impact extends beyond individual user compromise as compromised systems could serve as launch points for broader network attacks or be used to distribute malicious payloads to other networked devices. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping instant messaging clients updated, as the attack surface remains relevant even in modern contexts where similar buffer overflow patterns persist in various networked applications.
The exploitation of CVE-2002-0028 aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure and ensure that all instant messaging applications are maintained with current security patches. Regular security assessments of messaging platforms and network monitoring for unusual traffic patterns related to multimedia requests can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of input validation and proper memory management practices in software development, particularly for applications handling external data from untrusted sources, and serves as a historical example of how multimedia features in communication software can create unexpected security attack vectors.