CVE-2004-0566 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in imgbmp.cxx for Windows 2000 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a BMP image with a large bfOffBits value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0566 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Windows 2000 operating system's handling of bitmap image files. This issue specifically affects the imgbmp.cxx component responsible for processing bmp image formats, making it a target for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation when processing the bfOffBits field in bitmap file headers, which is a critical component that specifies the offset to the bitmap data within the file structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from how Windows 2000 processes the bfOffBits field in bmp file headers. When a maliciously crafted bmp image file contains an unusually large bfOffBits value, the system's integer handling routines fail to properly validate or constrain this value, leading to an integer overflow condition. This overflow corrupts memory structures and can potentially allow attackers to manipulate the program execution flow, ultimately enabling remote code execution. The flaw is classified under CWE-190 as an integer overflow vulnerability, specifically involving signed integer overflow in the context of file processing operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to Windows 2000 systems that process or display bmp images, particularly in web environments where users might unknowingly download or view maliciously crafted image files. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by hosting specially crafted bmp files on web servers, which when viewed by vulnerable systems, trigger the integer overflow condition. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be executed remotely without requiring authentication or user interaction beyond viewing the malicious image. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of remote services through file format vulnerabilities, and T1059, involving execution through scripting or command-line interfaces.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and privilege escalation. Windows 2000 systems running with elevated privileges are particularly at risk, as the overflow can be leveraged to gain administrative access to affected machines. The vulnerability affects not just individual user systems but also server environments that process image files, making it a significant concern for organizations with web-facing applications or file sharing systems. The integer overflow creates a memory corruption scenario that can be exploited to inject and execute malicious code, potentially leading to persistent backdoors or data exfiltration capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0566 should focus on immediate patching of affected Windows 2000 systems with the appropriate security updates from Microsoft, which address the integer overflow in the bmp image processing routines. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web content filtering to prevent access to potentially malicious image files, particularly in environments where users might encounter untrusted content. Additionally, system administrators should consider disabling automatic image preview features for web browsers and email clients, and implement strict file type validation and size restrictions for image uploads in web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper integer overflow protection in file processing libraries, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for input validation and bounds checking in system components handling user-supplied data.