CVE-2005-0416 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Windows Animated Cursor (ANI) capability in Windows NT, Windows 2000 through SP4, Windows XP through SP1, and Windows 2003 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the AnimationHeaderBlock length field, which leads to a stack-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0416 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Windows Animated Cursor (ANI) processing functionality across multiple Windows operating systems including Windows NT, Windows 2000 through Service Pack 4, Windows XP through Service Pack 1, and Windows 2003. This vulnerability specifically targets the AnimationHeaderBlock length field within ANI files, creating a condition where attacker-controlled input can overwrite adjacent memory on the stack. The flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking during the parsing of ANI file headers, allowing maliciously crafted cursor files to trigger memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or network shares, making it a significant threat to enterprise environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and specifically manifests as a classic stack corruption exploit where the attacker manipulates the length field in the AnimationHeaderBlock to exceed the allocated buffer size. This allows the attacker to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data structures, enabling code execution control. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious ANI file with an oversized length field that causes the Windows cursor processing subsystem to write beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability is further categorized under the ATT&CK framework as T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) when considering the typical attack vectors and execution methods. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices where the system fails to properly validate the size parameter before proceeding with memory allocation and data copying operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-0416 is substantial, as it provides remote attackers with a reliable method to achieve arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems without requiring authentication or user interaction beyond the mere presentation of the malicious cursor file. This vulnerability can be leveraged in various attack scenarios including drive-by downloads, phishing campaigns, and network-based attacks where attackers can place malicious ANI files on web servers or network shares. The affected systems are particularly vulnerable because the ANI processing occurs in the Windows graphical subsystem, meaning that even simple web page viewing or file browsing activities could trigger the exploit. The vulnerability affects the core operating system functionality and can be exploited to escalate privileges, install backdoors, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. Organizations running affected versions of Windows are at high risk of successful exploitation, especially in environments where users regularly interact with potentially malicious content from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0416 should include immediate application of Microsoft security patches and updates, particularly the security updates released in response to this vulnerability. System administrators should disable unnecessary cursor file processing capabilities and implement strict file type filtering for ANI files in network environments. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to prevent unauthorized access to systems that process cursor files. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening unknown or untrusted cursor files, and email filtering systems should be enhanced to block suspicious attachments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and bounds checking in system code, emphasizing the need for robust security practices in software development. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure that all systems remain protected against similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities that may be discovered in the future.