CVE-2005-2679 in Process Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Sysinternals Process Explorer 9.23, and other versions before 9.25, allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long CompanyName field in the VersionInfo information in a running process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2679 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Sysinternals Process Explorer utility version 9.23 and earlier releases. This software tool, widely used by system administrators and security professionals for process monitoring and analysis, contains a programming error that manifests when processing version information from running processes. The specific flaw occurs during the handling of the CompanyName field within the VersionInfo structure, which is part of the PE (Portable Executable) file format used by windows operating systems. When a malicious local user crafts a process with an excessively long CompanyName field, the application fails to properly validate input length, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking in the application's string handling routines. According to CWE-121, this corresponds to a stack-based buffer overflow condition where the application allocates a fixed-size buffer to store version information but does not verify that incoming data fits within these boundaries. The Process Explorer utility reads process information from memory and displays it in its user interface, particularly focusing on the version information tab where the CompanyName field is presented. When this field exceeds the allocated buffer size, adjacent memory locations become overwritten, potentially corrupting program execution flow and allowing attackers to inject malicious code that executes in the context of the running process. This vulnerability operates entirely within the local attack surface, requiring no network connectivity or external exploitation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to escalate privileges and potentially compromise entire systems. Local users with minimal privileges can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code, potentially elevating their access level depending on the privileges of the affected process. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Windows environments where Process Explorer is installed, particularly in enterprise settings where system administrators rely on this tool for monitoring. According to ATT&CK framework tactic TA0004 (Privilege Escalation) and technique T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation), this vulnerability enables attackers to move laterally within a system by exploiting the elevated privileges of processes that Process Explorer might monitor. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because Process Explorer is often run with administrative privileges, making successful exploitation potentially catastrophic for system security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2679 primarily focus on immediate patching and operational security measures. The most effective solution involves updating to Sysinternals Process Explorer version 9.25 or later, which includes proper input validation and bounds checking for the CompanyName field. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems running vulnerable versions are updated promptly. Additionally, system administrators should consider restricting local access to systems where Process Explorer is installed, particularly in high-security environments. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual Process Explorer usage patterns and potential attempts to inject malicious processes into the system. Regular security assessments should verify that all Sysinternals utilities and other third-party tools are running patched versions to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of input validation in all software components and the necessity of maintaining current security practices in system administration tools.