CVE-2007-6183 in Ruby Gnome2
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the mdiag_initialize function in gtk/src/rbgtkmessagedialog.c in Ruby-GNOME 2 (aka Ruby/Gnome2) 0.16.0, and SVN versions before 20071127, allows context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the message parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6183 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the Ruby-GNOME 2 library, specifically within the mdiag_initialize function located in gtk/src/rbgtkmessagedialog.c. This flaw affects Ruby-GNOME 2 version 0.16.0 and all SVN versions prior to the 20071127 snapshot, creating a significant security risk for applications that utilize this library for graphical user interface operations. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied input within format string operations, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the program's execution flow through carefully crafted message parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the mdiag_initialize function processes a message parameter without proper validation or sanitization of format specifiers. When an application passes user-controllable data directly into a format string function such as printf or sprintf, attackers can inject format specifiers that reference arbitrary memory locations, potentially leading to information disclosure, stack corruption, or arbitrary code execution. The flaw resides in the library's message dialog implementation where the message parameter is directly passed to a format string function without adequate input processing, making it susceptible to exploitation by context-dependent attackers who can influence the message content.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-6183 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors that leverage the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and code injection techniques. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially read sensitive memory contents, overwrite function pointers, or inject malicious code into the running process. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-134, which specifically addresses the weakness of using user-controlled format strings, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to remote code execution in GUI applications. Applications using Ruby-GNOME 2 for message dialog functionality become particularly vulnerable, as any user interaction that allows message parameter manipulation creates an attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected Ruby-GNOME 2 library to version 0.16.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the format string handling. System administrators should also implement input validation measures that sanitize all message parameters before they are passed to format string functions, ensuring that format specifiers are properly escaped or removed. Additionally, applications should be reviewed to eliminate direct use of user-controllable data in format string operations, and developers should adopt secure coding practices such as using functions like snprintf with appropriate buffer sizes, or employing alternative string formatting methods that do not rely on user-controlled format specifiers. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and non-executable stack protections to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts, while maintaining compliance with security standards that emphasize proper input validation and secure coding practices.