CVE-2002-0031 in Yahoo!
Summary
by MITRE
buffer overflows in yahoo! messenger 5001064 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a ymsgr uri with long arguments to (1) call (2) sendim (3) getimv (4) chat (5) addview or (6) addfriend.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0031 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting Yahoo! Messenger versions 5001064 and earlier. This security weakness stems from improper input validation within the application's handling of ymsgr URI schemes, which are used to initiate various messaging functions within the client software. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes URI arguments that exceed the allocated buffer space, creating opportunities for malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly bounds-check input parameters passed through the ymsgr URI protocol. When remote attackers craft malicious URIs containing excessively long argument strings for functions such as call, sendim, getimv, chat, addview, or addfriend, the software's internal buffers overflow, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can be exploited to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user, making it particularly dangerous for remote code execution attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to systems running vulnerable versions of Yahoo! Messenger. The attack surface is broad since the ymsgr URI scheme can be triggered through various means including email links, instant messaging, or web-based content that users might inadvertently click. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to establish footholds within networks, as it requires minimal user interaction beyond normal software usage patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates how improper memory management can lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0031 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Yahoo! Messenger versions, as this represents a critical security issue that has been widely exploited in the wild. Organizations should implement network-level restrictions to block ymsgr URI schemes where possible, particularly in environments where users might be exposed to untrusted content. Additionally, security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of clicking on unknown links that might trigger these vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for both preventive and detective security controls. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of input validation and bounds checking in preventing buffer overflow exploits, reinforcing principles from the Software Security Engineering community that emphasize defensive programming practices and proper memory management techniques.