CVE-2004-1257 in abc2mtex
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the process_abc function in abc.c for abc2mtex 1.6.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted ABC files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1257 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the abc2mtex 1.6.1 software suite, specifically within the process_abc function located in the abc.c source file. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of memory corruption flaws that have been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature and classified under CWE-121 as "Stack-based Buffer Overflow". The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and bounds checking when processing ABC format files, creating an exploitable condition where maliciously crafted input data can overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates how a remote attacker can leverage the buffer overflow to execute arbitrary code on the target system. When the process_abc function processes ABC files, it fails to properly validate the size of input data against the allocated buffer space, allowing attackers to craft specially formatted ABC files that exceed the buffer boundaries. This condition creates a situation where the overflow can overwrite critical program memory including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures, potentially enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow to malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a severe remote code execution risk that can be exploited without any local privileges or authentication requirements. The attack vector through crafted ABC files means that simply opening or processing such files can trigger the exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter untrusted ABC content. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers leverage application vulnerabilities to execute code on target systems. The risk is compounded by the fact that abc2mtex is typically used for converting ABC music notation files to LaTeX format, making it a legitimate application that users might encounter in legitimate workflows.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected software version, as the original abc2mtex 1.6.1 release contains no built-in protections against such buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement input validation measures at multiple layers including application-level bounds checking, stack canaries, and address space layout randomization to prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper software security practices including code reviews, static analysis, and dynamic testing to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other applications. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through network intrusion detection systems and implement file type restrictions for ABC files in environments where untrusted content might be processed. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for secure coding practices and regular security updates to prevent exploitation of known buffer overflow vulnerabilities that can lead to complete system compromise.