CVE-2005-3278 in BitMap Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the openpsfile function in gsinterf.c for Jan Kybic BitMap Viewer (BMV) 1.2 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a PostScript (PS) file containing a large number of pages value, which leads to a resultant buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3278 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Jan Kybic BitMap Viewer (BMV) version 1.2, specifically affecting the openpsfile function in the gsinterf.c source file. This issue stems from inadequate input validation when processing PostScript files, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted PS documents can trigger unexpected behavior in the application's memory management. The vulnerability manifests when a PostScript file contains an excessively large number of pages value that, when processed by the application, causes integer overflow during buffer allocation calculations. This fundamental flaw in the software's arithmetic handling mechanisms creates a pathway for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution within the context of the running application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-defined pattern that aligns with common software security attack vectors. When the BMV application processes a malformed PostScript file with an inflated page count value, the integer overflow occurs during the buffer size calculation phase. The overflow results in a situation where the calculated buffer size becomes significantly smaller than the actual memory required, leading to a subsequent buffer overflow when the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This memory corruption directly enables attackers to manipulate program execution flow and potentially inject malicious code into the application's memory space. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple security domains including memory safety, input validation, and privilege management, making it particularly dangerous in local execution contexts where attackers already have system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3278 extends beyond simple local privilege escalation to encompass broader security implications for systems running affected versions of BMV. Since the vulnerability requires local system access to exploit, it primarily affects environments where users can execute arbitrary files or have the ability to place malicious PostScript files within the application's processing path. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning in multi-user environments or scenarios where untrusted content might be processed by the application. The attack vector leverages the principle of least privilege violations, where the application's failure to properly validate input parameters creates an unexpected execution path that can be manipulated by attackers. This vulnerability type is categorized under CWE-190 as Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which represents a common class of flaws in software development that can lead to severe security consequences.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exploitation risk and the underlying software design flaw. The primary recommendation involves updating to a patched version of Jan Kybic BitMap Viewer that implements proper input validation and integer overflow protection mechanisms. System administrators should also implement restrictive file processing policies, particularly for PostScript files, and consider deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of untrusted PS documents. Network segmentation and access controls can further reduce the attack surface by limiting local execution capabilities and reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, regular security auditing of legacy applications and proper input sanitization practices should be enforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other software components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting local execution environments where attackers can leverage memory corruption flaws to gain elevated system privileges through carefully crafted input data manipulation.