CVE-2007-0927 in uTorrent
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in uTorrent 1.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a torrent file with a crafted announce header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0927 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw in uTorrent version 1.6 that enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted torrent files. This vulnerability resides in the client's handling of torrent file metadata, specifically within the announce header parsing mechanism where insufficient input validation leads to memory corruption. The flaw manifests when uTorrent processes torrent files containing oversized or malformed announce URLs that exceed the allocated buffer space, causing a heap overflow condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the classic heap overflow pattern where the application fails to properly bounds-check user-supplied data during torrent file processing. When uTorrent encounters a torrent file with an oversized announce header, the parsing routine writes data beyond the allocated heap memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory structures including return addresses and function pointers. This memory corruption can be manipulated by attackers to redirect program execution flow to malicious code injected into the heap space, effectively achieving remote code execution without requiring local system access or user interaction beyond downloading the malicious torrent file.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-0927 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within networks. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can gain full control over affected systems, install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use compromised machines as launching points for further attacks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability makes it particularly dangerous in peer-to-peer environments where users frequently download torrent files from untrusted sources, creating widespread attack surface across various network segments. The exploit requires no user interaction beyond the automatic download and processing of malicious torrent files, making it a significant threat vector for both individual users and enterprise environments that may have uTorrent installed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0927 should prioritize immediate software updates to patched versions of uTorrent that implement proper bounds checking and input validation for announce header processing. Organizations should also consider network-level controls such as torrent file filtering and content inspection to prevent malicious torrent files from entering the network environment. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow classification and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 command and scripting interpreter and T1078 valid accounts, as attackers may use compromised systems to establish persistent access. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual torrent file processing activities and memory corruption patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and restricting peer-to-peer file sharing capabilities can reduce the attack surface and limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs.