CVE-2002-1277 in WindowMaker
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Window Maker (wmaker) 0.80.0 and earlier may allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a certain image file that is not properly handled when Window Maker uses width and height information to allocate a buffer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1277 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Window Maker window manager version 0.80.0 and earlier. This issue specifically affects the handling of image files within the desktop environment, creating a potential remote code execution vector that could be exploited by malicious actors. Window Maker, being a lightweight window manager for the X Window System, processes various image formats to display desktop elements, icons, and application interfaces. When processing certain malformed image files, the application fails to properly validate the width and height parameters, leading to improper buffer allocation that can be overwritten by attacker-controlled data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management within the image processing routines of Window Maker. When the application encounters an image file with malformed dimensions, it calculates buffer sizes based on these unchecked values without sufficient bounds checking. This flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The buffer overflow occurs during the image parsing process when the application attempts to allocate memory based on the width and height parameters extracted from the image header, without validating that these values remain within acceptable ranges for the allocated buffer space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where Window Maker is used as a desktop interface, as it could be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing protocols. The remote code execution capability means that attackers could gain full control of the affected system, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or use of the compromised machine as a launch point for further attacks. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the fact that it can be triggered through legitimate image processing functionality that users might encounter in normal desktop operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1277 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Window Maker installations to version 0.80.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow issue. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies and restrict user access to image file processing capabilities where possible. The use of automated vulnerability scanning tools can help identify systems running vulnerable versions of Window Maker, while network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted image files can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices, as outlined in various security frameworks including the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, which emphasize the critical need for robust boundary checking and secure coding practices to prevent such memory corruption vulnerabilities.