CVE-2004-2541 in Cscope
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Cscope 15.5, and possibly multiple overflows, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a C file with a long #include line that is later browsed by the target.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2541 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Cscope version 15.5 and potentially multiple related overflow conditions that enable remote code execution through maliciously crafted C source files. This vulnerability specifically targets the processing of #include directives within C source code files, where an attacker can exploit the insufficient input validation mechanisms to trigger memory corruption. The flaw exists in the way Cscope handles long #include lines during code browsing operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered when users open or browse files containing maliciously constructed include statements. The buffer overflow occurs during the parsing phase when Cscope attempts to process the excessively long include directives without proper bounds checking, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the target system. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, which specifically addresses buffer access violations that occur when a program writes beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it can provide attackers with complete system compromise capabilities, particularly when Cscope is used in development environments where users frequently browse source code files from untrusted sources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental flaw in input validation within the Cscope application's source code processing engine. When Cscope encounters a C file containing an extremely long #include line, the application's internal buffer management fails to properly validate the length of the include directive before attempting to store it in memory. This allows an attacker to craft a specially formatted C file that contains an include line exceeding the allocated buffer space, causing a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition. The overflow occurs because the application does not implement proper bounds checking mechanisms when processing the include directive, allowing the attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control flow information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely through network-based file sharing or code repositories, making it a significant threat to development environments where Cscope is commonly used for code navigation and analysis. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that Cscope is often used in automated development workflows and continuous integration environments, where it may automatically process source files from external sources without proper security validation.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend to software development practices and security hygiene within development teams that utilize Cscope for code navigation and analysis. Organizations using Cscope in their development environments face potential compromise when users inadvertently browse maliciously crafted source files, particularly in collaborative development scenarios where code sharing occurs across multiple repositories and team members. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and bounds checking in applications that process untrusted data, a principle that aligns with the attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services. The security implications are particularly severe because the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring authentication or specific user interaction beyond the normal operation of opening a file, making it a stealthy and effective attack vector. Development teams using Cscope must consider this vulnerability as part of their overall security posture, particularly in environments where source code analysis tools are integrated into automated workflows. The vulnerability also highlights the need for proper software supply chain security measures, as malicious code could be introduced through compromised source files or third-party libraries that Cscope processes during normal operation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected Cscope installations to version 15.6 or later, which contains the necessary buffer overflow protections and input validation improvements. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies for source code processing tools, particularly when these tools are used in automated environments or when processing code from external sources. The implementation of input length restrictions and proper bounds checking mechanisms within Cscope and similar source code analysis tools represents a fundamental security requirement that should be enforced across all development environments. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of systems running Cscope to untrusted code sources, particularly in environments where automated code analysis is performed. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper security controls for development tools, as these applications often process untrusted data and can serve as attack vectors when not properly secured. Regular security assessments of development environments should include evaluation of source code analysis tools for similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities, ensuring that defensive measures are in place to prevent exploitation of similar flaws in other components of the software development lifecycle.