CVE-2002-1743 in ICQ
Summary
by MITRE
AOL ICQ 2002a Build 3722 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a malformed .hpf file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1743 affects AOL ICQ 2002a Build 3722 and represents a classic buffer overflow condition that manifests through improper handling of malformed file formats. This issue specifically targets the .hpf file extension which is used for storing personal information and contact details within the ICQ messaging platform. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the application's file parsing routines, creating an exploitable condition where maliciously crafted .hpf files can trigger unexpected behavior in the software's memory management systems.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. When the vulnerable ICQ client attempts to parse a malformed .hpf file, the application fails to properly validate the file structure and size constraints, leading to memory corruption that ultimately results in application termination. The attack vector requires remote delivery of the malicious file through legitimate communication channels that ICQ supports, making it particularly dangerous as users might unknowingly execute the exploit while performing normal messaging activities.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant denial of service condition that affects both individual users and organizational communication networks that rely on ICQ for business operations. The crash occurs during normal file processing operations, meaning that legitimate users could experience unexpected application failures while accessing their contact lists or personal information stored in .hpf files. This type of vulnerability also represents a potential stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks as it demonstrates the application's susceptibility to memory corruption issues that could be leveraged in combination with other exploits.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by AOL to address the buffer overflow conditions in the file parsing routines. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent automatic execution of .hpf files from untrusted sources and consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious file transfers. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of verifying file sources and avoiding unexpected file attachments, particularly in environments where ICQ is used for business communications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which covers exploitation for privilege escalation, as the initial exploitation can lead to more serious security incidents if not properly contained through network segmentation and access controls.