CVE-2005-2123 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in the Graphics Rendering Engine (GDI32.DLL) in Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP1 and SP2, and Server 2003 SP1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted Windows Metafile (WMF) and Enhanced Metafile (EMF) format images that lead to heap-based buffer overflows, as demonstrated using MRBP16::bCheckRecord.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2123 represents a critical security flaw within the Windows Graphics Rendering Engine component known as GDI32.DLL. This issue affects multiple versions of Microsoft Windows including Windows 2000 Service Pack 4, Windows XP Service Packs 1 and 2, and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the graphics subsystem that processes Windows Metafile (WMF) and Enhanced Metafile (EMF) format image files. These metafile formats are commonly used for storing graphical data and are frequently encountered in various Windows applications and system components, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through routine graphical operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves integer overflows that occur when processing specific fields within WMF and EMF image headers. When the Graphics Rendering Engine attempts to parse these malformed metafile structures, it fails to properly validate integer values that determine buffer allocation sizes. This leads to heap-based buffer overflows where maliciously crafted integer values cause the system to allocate insufficient memory for processing graphical data. The overflow condition creates writable memory regions that can be overwritten with malicious code, effectively allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow of the target system. The specific demonstration of this vulnerability through MRBP16::bCheckRecord function illustrates how a particular sequence of operations within the graphics processing pipeline can trigger the exploitable condition.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with a reliable method for gaining unauthorized access to affected systems. The fact that this vulnerability affects core Windows operating system components means that successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges. Attackers can deliver malicious metafile content through various vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious websites, making the attack surface extremely broad. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of length of input buffers, and it maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and control, as well as T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a specially formatted metafile that, when processed by the vulnerable GDI32.DLL component, triggers the integer overflow and subsequent code execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of Microsoft security patches and updates, as the primary fix involves correcting the input validation logic within the Graphics Rendering Engine. System administrators should prioritize deployment of the relevant security updates from Microsoft's official channels and consider implementing additional protective measures such as restricting access to potentially malicious file types through network filtering and content scanning solutions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in system components that handle user-supplied data, particularly in graphics processing subsystems that are frequently accessed by various applications. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual graphics processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential compromise of systems running affected Windows versions.