CVE-2007-3815 in pirs
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in pirs32.exe in Poslovni informator Republike Slovenije (PIRS) 2007 allows local users to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long search string in certain fields in the GUI. NOTE: this may cross privilege boundaries if PIRS is used by data-entry workers who do not have full access to the underlying Windows environment.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3815 affects pirs32.exe, a component of the Poslovni informator Republike Slovenije (PIRS) 2007 software suite, which serves as a business information database application for Slovenia. This buffer overflow vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that can be exploited by local attackers to disrupt system operations and potentially gain unauthorized code execution privileges. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes search strings in various graphical user interface fields, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users interact with the software.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs within the pirs32.exe executable, where insufficient input validation allows maliciously crafted search strings to overwrite adjacent memory locations. When a local user submits an excessively long search string, the application fails to properly bounds-check the input data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate program execution flow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or application crash. The vulnerability operates at the application level rather than the system level, but its impact can be significant due to the nature of the software's intended use.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as the flaw could enable local privilege escalation scenarios. When PIRS is deployed in environments where data-entry workers have limited system access but still interact with the application, the vulnerability creates a potential attack vector that crosses privilege boundaries. These workers may not possess full administrative rights to the Windows environment, but their ability to interact with the vulnerable application could allow them to exploit the buffer overflow and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the application process. This scenario aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques.
The vulnerability's exploitation requires local system access and knowledge of the application's GUI interaction patterns, making it less accessible than remote exploits but still concerning for organizations that rely on the software. Organizations using PIRS 2007 should consider implementing immediate mitigations including input validation measures, application whitelisting, and privilege restriction protocols. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input handling and bounds checking in software development practices, particularly for applications that process user input in graphical environments. Security professionals should also consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within the context of CWE-121, which addresses buffer overflow conditions in stack-based memory allocation scenarios. Organizations should prioritize patching or upgrading to newer versions of the software, implementing network segmentation to limit local access, and monitoring for suspicious activity that might indicate exploitation attempts.