CVE-2007-2888 in UltraISO
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in UltraISO 8.6.2.2011 and earlier allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long FILE string (filename) in a .cue file, a related issue to CVE-2007-2761. NOTE: some details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2888 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in UltraISO version 8.6.2.2011 and earlier. This security weakness specifically affects the handling of FILE strings within .cue files, which are commonly used for optical disc image management and audio track information. The vulnerability operates through a user-assisted remote attack vector, meaning that an attacker must convince a user to open a maliciously crafted .cue file for the exploit to succeed, though the execution of arbitrary code occurs without requiring additional user interaction once the file is processed.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from inadequate input validation within UltraISO's parsing mechanism for .cue file structures. When the software encounters a FILE string that exceeds the allocated buffer space, it overflows the stack memory region, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical program execution data including return addresses and function pointers. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow category, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that has been consistently identified as a primary attack surface for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution exploits. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the legitimate functionality of .cue file processing, making it difficult for users to distinguish between safe and malicious content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity breaches. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain full control over the victim's system, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information, system enumeration, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in social engineering scenarios where users might inadvertently open compromised media files. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the initial code execution often serves as a foothold for further system compromise. The fact that this issue is related to CVE-2007-2761 suggests a broader pattern of input validation weaknesses within the UltraISO application suite.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2888 should focus on immediate software updates to versions that address the buffer overflow vulnerability, as well as implementing defensive measures such as input sanitization and file type validation. Organizations should consider deploying application whitelisting solutions to restrict execution of unauthorized software versions and implement network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening untrusted .cue files and other optical disc image formats remains crucial in preventing successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in software development, particularly for applications that process external data formats. System administrators should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for file processing operations to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.