CVE-2007-2646 in yEnc32
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in yEnc32 1.0.7.207 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long filename in an NTX file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2646 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw in the yEnc32 1.0.7.207 software component. This issue resides within the handling of filename data within NTX files, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the software processes a specially crafted NTX file containing an excessively long filename that exceeds the allocated buffer space in memory.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves improper bounds checking during the parsing of NTX file structures. When yEnc32 encounters a filename that surpasses the predefined buffer limits, the software fails to validate the input length before copying data into heap-allocated memory regions. This memory corruption occurs because the application does not enforce adequate size limitations on filename fields, allowing attackers to overflow the allocated buffer space and overwrite adjacent memory locations. The heap-based nature of this vulnerability means that the corrupted memory segments may contain critical program data, function pointers, or return addresses that can be manipulated to redirect execution flow.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for systems that process or handle NTX files, particularly in environments where users might receive files from untrusted sources. The user-assisted nature of the attack implies that a victim must perform some action to trigger the vulnerability, such as opening or processing the malicious NTX file within the vulnerable yEnc32 application. This makes the attack vector somewhat more constrained but still highly dangerous, as it can be delivered through various means including email attachments, file sharing networks, or compromised websites. The potential for remote code execution through this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack tree framework where initial access is achieved through social engineering or automated delivery mechanisms.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be leveraged to escalate privileges or establish persistent access within compromised systems. The CWE-121 classification for this vulnerability indicates a heap-based buffer overflow condition that can lead to arbitrary code execution, making it particularly dangerous for exploitation. Security researchers have noted that such buffer overflow vulnerabilities often provide attackers with opportunities to implement advanced exploitation techniques including stack pivoting, return-oriented programming, or direct memory manipulation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the 'Exploitation' phase where adversaries leverage software flaws to execute malicious code, potentially transitioning to privilege escalation or lateral movement within networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2646 should prioritize immediate software updates and patches from the vendor, as the vulnerability has been addressed through version upgrades. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for NTX files and consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious file content patterns. Network segmentation and user access controls can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that all systems processing such file formats are properly updated and monitored. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of input validation and secure coding practices in preventing similar heap-based buffer overflow conditions in software applications.