CVE-2006-0564 in HTML Help Workshop
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Microsoft HTML Help Workshop 4.74.8702.0, and possibly earlier versions, and as included in the Microsoft HTML Help 1.4 SDK, allows context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via a .hhp file with a long Contents file field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0564 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in Microsoft HTML Help Workshop version 4.74.8702.0 and associated HTML Help 1.4 SDK components. This vulnerability exists within the parsing mechanism of .hhp files which are used to define the structure and content of HTML Help projects. The flaw specifically manifests when processing the Contents file field within these project files, where an attacker can craft a malicious .hhp file containing an excessively long Contents field value that exceeds the allocated stack buffer size.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the HTML Help Workshop application. When the application processes a .hhp file, it reads the Contents field without adequate bounds checking, allowing a buffer overflow condition to occur when the field value exceeds the predefined buffer capacity. This stack-based overflow enables attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers, which can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability is context-dependent because it requires the victim to open a specially crafted .hhp file through the HTML Help Workshop application, making social engineering a critical component of exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation can result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the HTML Help Workshop application, potentially leading to privilege escalation scenarios. The vulnerability affects systems running Windows operating systems where the HTML Help Workshop or HTML Help 1.4 SDK components are installed, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these tools may be widely deployed. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that .hhp files are commonly used in documentation projects and can be easily distributed through various means including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious websites.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected systems through Microsoft security updates, as well as implementing restrictive access controls to prevent unauthorized execution of HTML Help Workshop applications. Organizations should consider disabling the processing of .hhp files from untrusted sources and implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of potentially vulnerable applications. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification and maps to ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) within the adversary tactics framework. System administrators should also implement monitoring for suspicious .hhp file creation or modification activities, particularly in environments where these tools are not routinely used, as this could indicate potential exploitation attempts.