CVE-2003-0239 in ICQ
Summary
by MITRE
icqateimg32.dll parsing/rendering library in Mirabilis ICQ Pro 2003a allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via malformed GIF89a headers that do not contain a GCT (Global Color Table) or an LCT (Local Color Table) after an Image Descriptor.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0239 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the icqateimg32.dll library component of Mirabilis ICQ Pro 2003a instant messaging software. This issue specifically targets the GIF image parsing and rendering functionality that ICQ Pro employs for displaying images within chat sessions and file transfers. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling within the image processing pipeline, creating a condition where maliciously crafted GIF89a image files can trigger unexpected behavior in the client application.
The technical flaw manifests when the icqateimg32.dll library encounters GIF89a image files that lack either a Global Color Table (GCT) or Local Color Table (LCT) following the Image Descriptor section. According to the GIF specification, these color tables are essential components that define the color palette for image rendering. When the library processes such malformed images, it fails to properly handle the absence of these required color table structures, leading to memory corruption or stack overflow conditions that ultimately result in application crash and system instability.
This vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework as a remote code execution vector that can be leveraged for denial of service attacks, specifically falling under the technique of process injection and memory corruption. The CWE classification for this issue would be CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read, as the library attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries when processing malformed GIF headers. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow condition where insufficient bounds checking allows arbitrary data to be read beyond the intended memory allocation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it can be exploited by remote attackers to disrupt communication services for ICQ Pro users. When a victim receives a maliciously crafted GIF image through ICQ chat or file transfer functionality, the application crashes immediately upon attempting to render the image, effectively denying service to the user. This creates a potential attack vector for DoS campaigns that can target specific users or entire user bases within ICQ networks, particularly in environments where ICQ Pro is widely deployed for business or personal communication.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate patching and defensive measures. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest version of ICQ Pro that includes fixed image parsing routines and enhanced input validation. The implementation of network-based filtering rules to block GIF file transfers through ICQ clients can provide temporary protection while patches are deployed. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of accepting file transfers from untrusted sources and implementing application whitelisting policies can help reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and error handling in multimedia processing libraries, as similar issues can exist in other image rendering components across various software platforms.