CVE-2003-0485 in 4GL Compiler
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Progress 4GL Compiler 9.1D06 and earlier allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via source code containing a long, invalid data type.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0485 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Progress 4GL Compiler version 9.1D06 and earlier releases. This issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the compiler's handling of data type declarations in source code files. The flaw specifically manifests when the compiler encounters source code containing excessively long invalid data type specifications, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability resides in the compiler's internal buffer management system where it fails to properly validate the length of data type identifiers before processing them, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability follows the classic pattern of stack-based memory corruption where the compiler's parsing routine does not enforce adequate bounds checking on user-supplied data type names. When processing source code with malformed or excessively long data type declarations, the compiler's internal buffers overflow into adjacent memory regions, potentially allowing an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the compiler process. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which categorizes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and can be classified under CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The attack vector involves crafting malicious source code files containing extended invalid data type specifications that trigger the overflow condition during compilation, effectively transforming a legitimate compilation process into an attack delivery mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway to compromise systems running vulnerable Progress 4GL compilers. Since the vulnerability exists within the compilation phase rather than runtime execution, attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious code into the compiled output, potentially creating backdoors or other persistent threats within the application. The exploitability of this vulnerability is heightened by the fact that many enterprise applications built using Progress 4GL may be compiled on systems where the compiler is accessible to untrusted users, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive business applications. Additionally, the vulnerability's presence in legacy systems means that organizations may have extended support periods where patching is not immediately possible, increasing the risk exposure.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. The primary recommendation involves immediate patching or upgrading to Progress 4GL Compiler versions that have resolved this buffer overflow condition, as provided by the vendor's security advisories. System administrators should also implement strict source code validation policies that prevent compilation of source files containing suspicious or malformed data type declarations, utilizing automated code scanning tools to identify potential threat vectors. Network segmentation and privilege separation should be enforced to limit access to the compiler environment, ensuring that only trusted users can initiate compilation processes. From an operational security perspective, implementing runtime monitoring for suspicious compilation activities and establishing secure coding practices that prevent injection of malformed data types into the compilation pipeline will significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would place it within the T1059.008 technique category for abuse of compiled programs, making it particularly relevant for organizations implementing comprehensive threat hunting and incident response procedures.