CVE-2005-0562 in MSN Messenger
Summary
by MITRE
GIF file validation error in MSN Messenger 6.2 allows remote attackers in a user s contact list to execute arbitrary code via a GIF image with an improper height and width.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0562 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within MSN Messenger version 6.2 that stems from inadequate validation of GIF image metadata. This flaw specifically manifests when the application processes GIF files that contain malformed height and width parameters, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers. The vulnerability exists in the image parsing logic where MSN Messenger fails to properly validate the dimensions specified in GIF file headers, allowing attackers to craft malicious GIF images that trigger memory corruption during image rendering.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. When MSN Messenger encounters a specially crafted GIF file with improper height and width values, the application's image processing routine attempts to allocate memory based on these malformed parameters. The insufficient bounds checking allows the attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious code within the context of the victim's system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it leverages the trust relationship inherent in MSN Messenger's contact list functionality. Attackers can place malicious GIF images in their contact list, and when a victim views their contact list or receives a message containing the image, the exploit is triggered automatically. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in social engineering scenarios where attackers can use the contact list as a vector for propagation. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond viewing the contact list, making it highly effective for mass distribution attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of MSN Messenger 6.2 installations with Microsoft security updates, as well as implementing network-level filtering to prevent the transmission of GIF files from untrusted sources. Organizations should also consider disabling GIF image previews in messaging applications when possible, and implement application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of potentially vulnerable software. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in multimedia processing applications, as highlighted in the OWASP Top Ten 2017 category A03: Injection, where improper input validation leads to various code execution vulnerabilities. Additionally, this case study emphasizes the need for robust memory safety practices in legacy applications, as the vulnerability was ultimately resolved through Microsoft's security updates that addressed the underlying buffer overflow conditions.