CVE-2005-2844 in Indiatimes Messenger
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in MMClient.exe in Indiatimes Messenger 6.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long group name argument to the RenameGroup function in the MMClient.MunduMessenger.1 ActiveX object.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2844 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the MMClient.exe component of Indiatimes Messenger version 6.0. This security weakness specifically targets the RenameGroup function within the MMClient.MunduMessenger.1 ActiveX object, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to compromise system integrity. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation when processing group names, allowing malicious actors to craft excessively long string arguments that exceed the allocated buffer space. Such buffer overflows fall under the common weakness enumeration CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow vulnerabilities as a fundamental class of software defects that can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malformed group name argument containing more data than the designated buffer can accommodate. When the RenameGroup function processes this oversized input, it overwrites adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program state information or even injecting malicious code into the application's execution flow. The ActiveX object architecture of the affected component amplifies the risk, as ActiveX controls are inherently trusted by web browsers and can execute with elevated privileges within the user's security context. This vulnerability demonstrates the dangerous intersection of legacy software architecture and insufficient input sanitization practices, where the combination creates a pathway for remote code execution rather than merely causing application instability.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2844 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized code execution. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can cause applications to crash or become unresponsive, but more critically, they may be able to inject and execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. This capability transforms the vulnerability from a mere inconvenience into a serious security threat that could enable attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The vulnerability affects systems running the specific version of Indiatimes Messenger 6.0, making it particularly concerning for organizations that have not updated their software components or implemented proper security controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including the installation of vendor patches or updates to eliminate the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit exposure and employ application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX controls. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running affected applications with minimal required permissions, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious ActiveX object usage patterns and malformed group name arguments that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing browser security configurations that disable ActiveX controls by default or require explicit user consent before execution. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular software updates and vulnerability management programs, as this flaw was likely present in the software for an extended period before detection. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving buffer overflow exploitation and privilege escalation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures including input validation, memory protection mechanisms, and continuous security monitoring to prevent successful exploitation attempts.