CVE-2003-0288 in IP Messenger
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the file & folder transfer mechanism for IP Messenger for Win 2.00 through 2.02 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via file with a long filename, which triggers the overflow when the user saves the file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0288 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the IP Messenger for Windows application version 2.00 through 2.02. This instant messaging and file transfer application was designed for local network communication but contained a fundamental security weakness in its file handling mechanism that could be exploited remotely. The vulnerability specifically affects the file and folder transfer functionality, where the application fails to properly validate the length of filenames during the transfer process, creating an exploitable condition that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the file transfer component of IP Messenger. When a remote attacker sends a file with an excessively long filename to a victim using the vulnerable software, the application's internal buffer handling mechanism fails to check the boundaries of the incoming data. This classic buffer overflow occurs because the application allocates a fixed-size buffer to store the filename information but does not verify that the incoming filename length exceeds the allocated space. The flaw manifests when the user attempts to save the file, triggering the overflow condition that can overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially redirect program execution flow to attacker-controlled code.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to users within local network environments where IP Messenger is deployed. The attack vector requires only that a remote attacker successfully deliver a maliciously crafted file with an overly long filename to a victim who is running the vulnerable version of the application. The exploitation process can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected user. This type of vulnerability particularly affects environments where users may be less security-conscious and frequently accept file transfers from unknown sources, making it a prime target for social engineering attacks. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of validating all user inputs in network applications, as even seemingly benign file operations can become attack vectors when proper boundary checks are absent.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes the classic stack-based buffer overflow condition, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices. From an attacker's perspective, this flaw maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and script execution, T1068 for local privilege escalation, and T1203 for exploitation of remote services. Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to patched versions of IP Messenger, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and educating users about the risks of accepting file transfers from untrusted sources. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file transfer patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of input validation and proper buffer management in network applications, serving as a reminder that even legacy software can contain dangerous security flaws that persist for years without proper security updates and patches.