CVE-2005-0057 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Hyperlink Object Library for Windows 98, 2000, XP, and Server 2003 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted link that triggers an "unchecked buffer" in the library, possibly due to a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0057 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Hyperlink Object Library component of Microsoft Windows operating systems including Windows 98, 2000, XP, and Server 2003. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the library that processes hyperlinks, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted hyperlink structures. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the library fails to properly bounds-check data during hyperlink processing, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious code payloads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. The flaw operates through the manipulation of hyperlink objects that traverse the Windows operating system's hyperlink processing pipeline, where the unchecked buffer condition allows for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected process. This represents a classic buffer overflow attack vector that leverages the trust placed in legitimate hyperlink processing functionality to gain unauthorized system access.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to systems running the affected Windows versions as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication or user interaction beyond the mere viewing or processing of a malicious hyperlink. The attack surface extends across all Windows platforms mentioned in the vulnerability description, making it particularly dangerous for organizations maintaining legacy systems or those unable to immediately patch their environments. The exploitability factor is enhanced by the fact that hyperlink processing occurs automatically in many contexts including web browsers, email clients, and document viewers, providing multiple potential attack vectors.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and script interpreter, as the successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution that can be leveraged to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. The recommended mitigations include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches, implementation of network-level restrictions on hyperlink processing, and application of runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention. Organizations should also consider disabling hyperlink processing in non-essential applications and implementing comprehensive monitoring for anomalous system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of input validation and bounds checking in software development practices, particularly for components that process user-provided data in operating system environments.