CVE-2007-4278 in ArcGIS
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the giomgr process in ESRI ArcSDE service 9.2, as used with ArcGIS, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a large number that requires more than 8 bytes to represent in ASCII, which triggers the overflow in an sprintf function call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4278 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting the giomgr process within ESRI ArcSDE service version 9.2, which is integral to the ArcGIS geospatial platform. This flaw exists in the handling of numeric data inputs that require more than 8 bytes for ASCII representation, creating a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The vulnerability specifically manifests during sprintf function calls, which are commonly used for string formatting operations but lack proper bounds checking when dealing with variable-length input data. The giomgr process, responsible for managing geospatial data operations and serving as a core component of the ArcSDE service architecture, becomes susceptible to exploitation when processing malformed numeric parameters that exceed the allocated buffer space.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental weakness in the sprintf function implementation where the destination buffer cannot accommodate the full length of the formatted string output. When a remote attacker submits a large numeric value that requires more than 8 bytes for ASCII representation, the sprintf function continues to write data beyond the allocated stack buffer boundaries, leading to memory corruption. This memory corruption can result in unpredictable program behavior, including application crashes that constitute a denial of service condition. However, the more severe implications arise from the potential for arbitrary code execution, as the stack-based overflow can be manipulated to overwrite return addresses and function pointers, allowing attackers to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4278 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable complete system compromise when exploited. Organizations utilizing ESRI ArcSDE 9.2 with ArcGIS face significant risk as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for networked geospatial applications. The giomgr process, being a critical component of ArcSDE's data management capabilities, represents a high-value target for attackers seeking to disrupt geospatial operations or gain unauthorized access to sensitive geographic information systems. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system crashes, data corruption, and potential privilege escalation depending on the execution environment and access controls in place. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments relying on ArcGIS for critical infrastructure mapping, environmental monitoring, urban planning, and other geospatial data management applications where service availability and data integrity are paramount.
Security mitigations for CVE-2007-4278 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations must apply the vendor-provided patches and updates for ArcSDE 9.2 to address the buffer overflow in the sprintf function calls. Additionally, implementing input validation mechanisms that enforce strict bounds checking on numeric data inputs can prevent the overflow condition from occurring. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the giomgr process to untrusted networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices, particularly around string handling functions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation through buffer overflow vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious numeric data patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability, as well as regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar issues in legacy geospatial software systems.