CVE-2005-3279 in BitMap Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the vgasco_printf function in Jan Kybic BitMap Viewer (BMV) 1.2, when compiled with the M_UNIX flag and running setuid, allows local users to gain privileges via a long filename in the -b command line option.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3279 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Jan Kybic BitMap Viewer (BMV) version 1.2 application. This security weakness specifically manifests within the vgasco_printf function, which processes command line arguments when the application is compiled with the M_UNIX flag and executed with setuid privileges. The combination of these conditions creates a dangerous scenario where local attackers can exploit the buffer overflow to escalate their privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the application's elevated privileges to execute arbitrary code with higher system permissions.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the application processes the -b command line option with a maliciously crafted long filename. The vgasco_printf function fails to properly validate the length of input data before copying it onto the stack, creating a situation where user-supplied data can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. This classic buffer overflow vulnerability allows an attacker to overwrite return addresses and potentially inject malicious code into the application's execution flow. When the application runs with setuid privileges, successful exploitation can result in privilege escalation from the current user to the root user or the application's designated privileged user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a reliable method to gain unauthorized administrative access to systems running vulnerable versions of BMV. The attack vector is straightforward and requires only local system access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local users might have access to the application. The vulnerability affects systems where the application is compiled with the M_UNIX flag and executed with elevated privileges, which is common in Unix-like operating systems where applications need to perform privileged operations. This flaw can be exploited by attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or potentially gain complete system control through the compromised application.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves applying the vendor-supplied patch or upgrading to a non-vulnerable version of BMV. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that the application is not compiled with the M_UNIX flag unless absolutely necessary, and that setuid permissions are carefully reviewed and minimized. Implementing stack protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and non-executable stack protections can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploits. Organizations should also consider implementing privilege separation principles and regularly auditing setuid applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other software components.