CVE-2005-0115 in IDA
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in DataRescue Interactive Disassembler (IDA) Pro 4.7 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a PE file with an Import Address Table containing a long import library name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0115 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within DataRescue Interactive Disassembler Pro version 4.7. This issue specifically manifests when the disassembler processes portable executable files containing malformed import address table entries with excessively long import library names. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the PE file parsing routines that handle import table structures. According to the common weakness enumeration framework, this corresponds to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The flaw exists in the disassembler's parsing logic for the PE file format's import directory table, which contains entries that reference external library functions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious PE file with an import library name that exceeds the allocated buffer size within IDA Pro's memory management. During the parsing process, the software fails to validate the length of import library names before copying them into fixed-size stack buffers. This allows attackers to overwrite return addresses and other critical stack data, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the disassembler process. The attack vector requires the victim to open the malicious PE file within IDA Pro, making this a user-initiated privilege escalation scenario. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics aligned with the attack technique described in the mitre attack framework under T1059, which involves executing malicious code through legitimate system processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to bypass security controls and establish persistent access to systems running vulnerable versions of IDA Pro. Since IDA Pro is widely used by security professionals for malware analysis and reverse engineering, compromising these tools creates a significant risk for security researchers and organizations that rely on them. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the analysis environment, potentially allowing attackers to inject malicious code into the disassembly process itself, which could compromise the accuracy of security assessments and forensic investigations. Organizations using IDA Pro for critical security operations face heightened risk of supply chain compromise if they encounter malicious PE files in their analysis workflows.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0115 include immediate patching of IDA Pro to version 4.8 or later, which contains the necessary buffer overflow protections and input validation fixes. System administrators should implement strict file validation procedures for PE files processed through IDA Pro, including automated scanning for suspicious import table structures. Network segmentation and privilege separation can reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation by limiting the access rights of the disassembler process. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing sandboxing techniques when analyzing suspicious PE files to isolate potentially malicious content from the main analysis environment. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to ensure all disassembly tools remain protected against similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities that may be discovered in the future.