CVE-2002-2439 in gcc
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the new[] operator in gcc before 4.8.0 allows attackers to have unspecified impacts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2439 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the gcc compiler's implementation of the new[] operator prior to version 4.8.0. This issue arises from the compiler's handling of memory allocation operations when dealing with array constructions, specifically where the size calculation for dynamic arrays can exceed the maximum representable value of an integer type. The flaw manifests when the compiler processes expressions that result in array sizes exceeding the bounds of standard integer representations, leading to unpredictable behavior during code compilation and subsequent runtime execution. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code through carefully crafted input that triggers the overflow condition.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the compiler's insufficient validation of array size calculations during the compilation process. When the gcc compiler encounters expressions that should result in array allocations, it performs internal arithmetic operations to determine the required memory space. In versions before 4.8.0, these calculations did not properly handle cases where the resulting size would exceed the maximum value that can be represented by the target integer type. This integer overflow condition can lead to several security implications including memory corruption, buffer overflows, and potentially arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-190 as an integer overflow or wraparound, which specifically addresses situations where integer arithmetic produces results that exceed the maximum value representable by the data type. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and inadequate boundary checking in the compiler's memory allocation handling routines.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-2439 extends beyond simple compilation failures to encompass potential security breaches in systems that rely on affected compiler versions. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting source code that intentionally triggers the integer overflow condition during compilation, potentially leading to memory corruption in the compiled binary or creating opportunities for privilege escalation. The unspecified impacts mentioned in the vulnerability description reflect the unpredictable nature of integer overflows, which can manifest differently depending on the target architecture, memory layout, and specific compiler optimizations in use. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where code compilation occurs in untrusted environments, as attackers could inject malicious code that exploits the overflow to gain unauthorized access or cause system instability. The issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.008 for compiler-based execution and T1070.006 for indicator removal through obfuscation, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to create stealthy code execution paths that bypass traditional security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2439 primarily involve upgrading to gcc version 4.8.0 or later, where the integer overflow handling has been corrected through improved validation mechanisms and proper boundary checking in the compiler's array allocation routines. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems running affected compiler versions and implement mandatory upgrade policies for development environments. Additional protective measures include implementing strict code review processes that scrutinize array size calculations and memory allocation patterns, particularly in security-critical applications. Static analysis tools should be configured to detect potential integer overflow conditions in source code, and runtime protections such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization can provide additional defense-in-depth. System administrators should also monitor for unusual compilation activities that might indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability, as the exploitation typically occurs during the compilation phase rather than runtime execution. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of compiler security and the need for continuous security assessment of development toolchains to prevent exploitation of fundamental implementation flaws that can compromise entire software ecosystems.