CVE-2004-1262 in bsb2ppm
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the bsb_open_header function in libbsb for bsb2ppm 0.0.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted BSB pictures.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1262 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the libbsb library version 0.0.6, specifically within the bsb_open_header function. This library serves as a component for converting BSB (Binary Structured Bitmap) image format files to PPM (Portable Pixmap) format, commonly used in image processing applications. The flaw occurs when the library processes malformed BSB picture files, creating an opportunity for remote attackers to exploit the vulnerability through crafted input data. The buffer overflow arises from insufficient bounds checking during the parsing of BSB header structures, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious data. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which directly enables arbitrary code execution when the vulnerable application processes the maliciously crafted BSB files. The attack vector is remote, meaning that an attacker can trigger the vulnerability without requiring local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where image processing applications might be exposed to untrusted input from external sources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it allows attackers to gain full control over the affected system where the vulnerable application is running. When the bsb_open_header function encounters the crafted BSB data, the overflow can overwrite the return address on the stack, enabling an attacker to redirect program execution flow to malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation typically involves executing shellcode or injected code within the target environment. The vulnerability affects applications that utilize the libbsb library for BSB file processing, particularly those in image conversion utilities, graphic applications, and systems that automatically process user-uploaded image files. The exploitation process requires the attacker to craft a specific BSB file structure that triggers the buffer overflow condition, making this a sophisticated attack requiring understanding of both the library implementation and memory layout. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of proper memory management in image processing libraries. Security researchers have noted that such buffer overflow vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited across different operating systems where the vulnerable library is deployed, assuming the same memory layout issues exist.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1262 require immediate action to address the root cause through software updates and input validation measures. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the bsb2ppm utility and libbsb library where the buffer overflow has been corrected through proper bounds checking and memory management. Organizations should implement strict input validation procedures that reject malformed BSB files before they reach the vulnerable library functions, effectively preventing exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of applications that process BSB files to untrusted sources, reducing the attack surface. Additionally, application sandboxing techniques and address space layout randomization (ASLR) can provide defense-in-depth measures that make exploitation more difficult even if the vulnerability is not immediately patched. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious file upload patterns and unusual processing of image files that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices such as those recommended by the CERT/CC Secure Coding Standards, particularly in areas involving memory management and input validation. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their image processing pipelines and ensure that third-party libraries are kept up to date with security patches. Incident response procedures should be established to quickly address any exploitation attempts, including log analysis for signs of buffer overflow attempts and immediate system isolation if compromise is suspected. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that legacy software and older library versions often contain unpatched security flaws that can be exploited in modern network environments, emphasizing the need for continuous security maintenance and monitoring.