CVE-2007-3479 in WinDEV
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in PCSoft WinDEV 11 (01F110053p) allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string in the "used DLL" field in a WDP project file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3479 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within PCSoft WinDEV 11 version 01F110053p, a widely used rapid application development environment for creating desktop and web applications. This vulnerability resides in the handling of project files with the .WDP extension, specifically when processing the "used DLL" field within these files. The flaw manifests when the application encounters a maliciously crafted string that exceeds the allocated buffer space, creating conditions ripe for exploitation.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the WinDEV project file parser. When the application processes a WDP file containing an excessively long string in the "used DLL" field, the software fails to properly verify the string length before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the program's execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is classified as user-assisted remote, meaning that successful exploitation requires the victim to open a specially crafted malicious WDP file, but the attack can be initiated from remote locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the victim's environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious payloads, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access to systems running vulnerable versions of WinDEV. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on WinDEV for application development, particularly those in industries where development environments may be exposed to untrusted inputs or where legacy applications are maintained. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that the attack can potentially corrupt the program's return address, allowing for precise control over the execution flow.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as PCSoft would have released updates to address the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement strict input validation policies for project files and consider sandboxing mechanisms when processing untrusted WDP files. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a common attack vector that would be catalogued under the attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically related to execution through application vulnerabilities and privilege escalation techniques. System administrators should also consider implementing automated monitoring for suspicious file processing activities and maintain up-to-date vulnerability management procedures to prevent similar issues from affecting their development environments.