CVE-2007-1536 in file
Summary
by MITRE
Integer underflow in the file_printf function in the "file" program before 4.20 allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a file that triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1536 represents a critical integer underflow flaw within the file command utility version 4.19 and earlier. This issue resides in the file_printf function which processes format strings when analyzing file types and content. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer values during buffer calculations, creating a scenario where an attacker can manipulate input data to cause arithmetic underflow conditions. When such underflow occurs, it results in incorrect buffer size calculations that ultimately lead to heap-based buffer overflow conditions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a specially formatted file that triggers the problematic code path within the file command. The integer underflow specifically occurs when the program calculates buffer sizes for formatting output, where negative integer values are computed due to improper overflow checks. This miscalculation allows the heap-based buffer overflow to occur at a memory location that the attacker can control or predict. The vulnerability is classified as a user-assisted attack because the victim must execute the file command on a maliciously crafted file, making it less automated but still highly dangerous in environments where file type detection is critical.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems that rely on the file command for automated file type identification and content analysis. The heap-based buffer overflow creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution, potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges or completely compromise affected systems. The vulnerability impacts various security tools and applications that depend on the file command for file analysis, including network security appliances, email filtering systems, and automated malware analysis platforms. This flaw can be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where file analysis is performed automatically on user uploads or network traffic, as it could enable attackers to bypass security controls and execute malicious code without direct system access.
The underlying cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-191, which addresses integer underflow conditions, and specifically relates to CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow. The attack pattern follows ATT&CK technique T1059, where adversaries leverage command execution capabilities to gain system control. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the file utility to version 4.20 or later, where the integer underflow has been corrected through proper boundary checks and input validation. Additionally, system administrators should implement restrictive file analysis policies, limit execution privileges for file command utilities, and monitor for suspicious file analysis activities. Network segmentation and sandboxing of file analysis processes can further reduce the potential impact, while regular security audits should verify that no systems remain vulnerable to this integer underflow condition that could be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution through heap corruption.