CVE-2005-2947 in KillProcess
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in KillProcess 2.20 and earlier allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via an exe file with a long FileDescription in the version resource.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2947 represents a classic buffer overflow flaw affecting KillProcess version 2.20 and earlier implementations. This security weakness resides in how the software processes executable files, specifically when handling the FileDescription field within the version resource of executable files. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious executable file containing an excessively long FileDescription string that exceeds the allocated buffer space within the KillProcess application. This particular buffer overflow condition falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows memory corruption to occur when the application attempts to store data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a user-assisted remote code execution vector that can be leveraged in various attack scenarios. When a victim unknowingly interacts with the malicious executable file, perhaps through a file browser or by double-clicking the file, the KillProcess application triggers the buffer overflow condition. This flaw enables attackers to potentially overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures within the application's execution context. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction to exploit, making it a prime candidate for social engineering attacks where users might be tricked into executing seemingly legitimate files.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution. The attack chain typically begins with the delivery of a malicious executable file containing the crafted FileDescription field, followed by user interaction that triggers the vulnerable KillProcess application. The exploitation process relies on the predictable memory layout of the target application and the absence of modern exploit mitigations such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, or data execution prevention mechanisms that were not commonly implemented in 2005. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in software development practices, particularly when processing external data from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2947 primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the vendor. Organizations should prioritize updating KillProcess installations to versions that address the buffer overflow vulnerability through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Additionally, system administrators should implement defensive measures including application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized software, network segmentation to limit lateral movement, and user education programs to prevent accidental execution of malicious files. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in legacy applications that may not have received proper security updates over time. Implementation of modern exploit protection mechanisms such as DEP, ASLR, and stack canaries would further mitigate the risk associated with similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in contemporary software environments.