CVE-2005-0140 in PeID
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in PeID 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 • 07/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0140 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within PeID, a popular PE (Portable Executable) file identifier and unpacker tool widely used by security professionals and reverse engineers. This tool is designed to detect packers, protectors, and other obfuscation techniques applied to executable files, making it an essential component in malware analysis and software verification processes. The buffer overflow occurs specifically when PeID processes PE files that contain an Import Address Table with excessively long import library names, creating a condition where memory boundaries are exceeded during the parsing of these malformed executable structures.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within PeID's parsing routine for PE file import tables. When the tool encounters an import library name exceeding predetermined buffer limits, the application fails to properly handle the overflow condition, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors. This flaw maps directly to CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of software security and reverse engineering tooling, where the legitimate need for comprehensive PE file analysis conflicts with the potential for exploitation through malformed inputs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it creates a significant attack surface for adversaries seeking to compromise systems where PeID is deployed. Attackers can craft specially designed PE files containing malicious import library names that trigger the buffer overflow when PeID attempts to analyze them, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the tool. This represents a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the trust placed in legitimate security analysis tools, allowing threat actors to bypass traditional security controls by targeting the very tools designed to detect and analyze malicious software. The vulnerability affects systems where PeID is used for automated malware analysis, security testing, or forensic investigations, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0140 should prioritize immediate software updates from the vendor, as this vulnerability was addressed through proper input validation and buffer management in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running PeID, particularly in automated analysis environments where untrusted PE files may be processed without proper sanitization. Security teams should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for PE file analysis, ensuring that potentially malicious files are analyzed in isolated environments that prevent exploitation of buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in security tools, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through scripting languages and highlighting the need for robust memory management practices in reverse engineering and security analysis software. Regular security assessments of security tooling and continuous monitoring for similar vulnerabilities in other PE analysis tools should be implemented as part of comprehensive cybersecurity programs.