CVE-2007-4051 in UltraDefrag
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the FindFiles function in UltraDefrag 1.0.3 allows local users to gain privileges via a file with a long pathname. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4051 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the FindFiles function of UltraDefrag version 1.0.3, a popular disk defragmentation tool for windows systems. This flaw exists in the software's handling of file pathnames during file search operations, where the application fails to properly validate the length of input paths before processing them in memory. The buffer overflow occurs when the application attempts to store a file pathname that exceeds the allocated memory buffer size, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically affects local users who can craft malicious file paths to trigger the overflow condition, potentially allowing privilege escalation attacks. The issue stems from inadequate bounds checking and memory management practices within the file search functionality, where the application does not enforce proper limits on pathname lengths before copying them into fixed-size memory buffers. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category, which is classified as a memory safety error that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires local system access and involves the creation of a specially crafted file with an excessively long pathname that when processed by UltraDefrag's FindFiles function causes the buffer overflow to occur. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire system. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 privilege escalation techniques where adversaries leverage software flaws to gain higher privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a widely used system maintenance tool, meaning that exploitation could occur in environments where such tools are regularly executed with elevated privileges. The buffer overflow condition can be triggered through normal file system operations when UltraDefrag processes files with long pathnames, making the attack surface broader than initially apparent. The flaw demonstrates a classic memory corruption vulnerability that can be exploited through the manipulation of input data to overflow allocated buffers, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Security researchers have noted that this type of vulnerability in system utilities represents a significant risk because these tools often run with elevated privileges and are frequently executed by system administrators or users with high-level access rights. The vulnerability requires no special network access or remote exploitation capabilities, making it particularly dangerous as local attackers can leverage it without requiring network connectivity or complex attack chains. Organizations using UltraDefrag 1.0.3 should immediately implement mitigations including software updates, input validation improvements, and privilege separation measures to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The memory corruption resulting from this heap overflow can be exploited to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to redirect program execution flow and execute malicious code with the privileges of the running UltraDefrag process. This vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in system utilities that handle file system operations, as these tools often process untrusted data from the file system without adequate sanitization. The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques for privilege escalation through software vulnerabilities, where attackers leverage flaws in legitimate system tools to gain elevated access rights. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management strategies to address this vulnerability and similar memory safety issues in system utilities to prevent potential compromise of critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices in system maintenance tools that operate with elevated privileges and process potentially malicious file system data.