CVE-2005-2210 in Internet Download Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Internet Download Manager 4.05 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2210 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in Internet Download Manager version 4.05. This security weakness resides within the application's handling of URL inputs, creating a pathway for remote attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly check the length of URL strings before processing them through the application's internal buffer structures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic stack overflow condition where maliciously crafted URL inputs exceeding the allocated buffer space cause memory corruption. When the application processes a URL longer than the designated buffer capacity, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially overwriting critical program execution data including return addresses and function pointers. This memory corruption allows attackers to manipulate the program flow and inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the affected application process.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to users who rely on Internet Download Manager for managing downloads from various sources. The remote exploitation capability means attackers can trigger the vulnerability through web-based attacks without requiring local access to the target system. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potential privilege escalation and system compromise, especially when the application runs with elevated privileges. Security researchers have classified this vulnerability under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal user interaction, typically involving the user visiting a malicious website or clicking on a specially crafted link that contains the oversized URL. The attack vector leverages the application's trust in user-provided input without sufficient validation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently download content from untrusted sources. Organizations and individuals using affected versions of Internet Download Manager face potential compromise through this vulnerability, as it can be exploited across various network configurations and operating systems where the application is installed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate installation of vendor patches and updates to the Internet Download Manager application, as well as implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and URL filtering mechanisms. System administrators should also consider restricting user access to potentially malicious websites and implementing security awareness training to reduce the risk of users inadvertently triggering the exploit. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of input validation and proper memory management in software development practices, particularly for applications handling user-provided data from external sources.