CVE-2004-1725 in John Bradley
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in xvbmp.c in XV allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted image file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1725 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the XV image viewer application, specifically in the xvbmp.c source file. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation when processing bitmap image files, creating a condition where maliciously crafted image data can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable XV application, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where users might unknowingly open maliciously crafted image files. The vulnerability is classified as a stack-based buffer overflow, which is a common type of memory corruption vulnerability that has been extensively documented in security literature and categorized under CWE-121. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program writes more data to a fixed-length buffer located on the stack than the buffer can accommodate, leading to overwrites of adjacent stack memory including return addresses and local variables.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a specially formatted bitmap image file that, when processed by the vulnerable XV application, triggers the buffer overflow condition. When the application attempts to parse the malicious image data, it fails to properly validate the size or structure of the bitmap header information, causing the stack buffer to overflow. This overflow can be leveraged to overwrite the return address on the stack, redirecting program execution to malicious code injected into the buffer or existing code within the application. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates over a network connection, allowing remote exploitation without requiring local access to the target system. This aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1203, which describes the exploitation of software vulnerabilities for code execution, and demonstrates how attackers can use remote code execution techniques to gain unauthorized access to systems. The vulnerability affects versions of XV prior to 3.10a, where proper bounds checking mechanisms were not implemented to prevent the overflow condition from occurring during image file parsing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more extensive attacks within a compromised system. Since XV is often used to view images in various environments, including web browsers and email clients, the attack surface is broad and includes scenarios where users might encounter malicious images in legitimate contexts. The vulnerability can be exploited in both local and remote scenarios, making it particularly dangerous for systems where users might be tricked into opening malicious files. Organizations using vulnerable versions of XV face significant risks including data theft, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can potentially gain complete control over affected systems without requiring physical access or user interaction beyond opening the malicious file. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers the use of command and scripting interpreters for code execution. The impact is further amplified by the fact that XV was commonly installed on Unix and Linux systems, making it a widespread target for exploitation across multiple operating environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1725 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of the XV application where proper input validation and bounds checking have been implemented. System administrators should immediately upgrade to XV version 3.10a or later, which includes fixes specifically addressing the buffer overflow condition in the xvbmp.c file. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted image files and should be encouraged to verify the source and integrity of any image files before opening them. Network-based mitigations can include implementing file type restrictions and filtering mechanisms that prevent the processing of potentially malicious image files. Security configurations should also include disabling automatic image preview features in applications that might be vulnerable to such attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in software development, particularly for applications that process user-supplied data. Organizations should implement regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify and remediate similar issues in other applications. The fix for this vulnerability demonstrates the critical nature of memory safety practices in software development and aligns with industry best practices for preventing buffer overflow vulnerabilities. System hardening measures such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and non-executable stack protections can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts, though the primary mitigation remains the application of the vendor-provided security patch.