CVE-2008-0064 in NConvert
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Pierre-emmanuel Gougelet (1) XnView 1.91 and 1.92, (2) NConvert 4.85, and (3) libgfl280.dll in GFL SDK 2.870 for Windows allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Radiance RGBE (.hdr) file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0064 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting multiple image processing applications within the GFL SDK ecosystem. This flaw exists in Pierre-emmanuel Gougelet's XnView versions 1.91 and 1.92, NConvert version 4.85, and specifically in libgfl280.dll version 2.870 of the GFL SDK for Windows platforms. The vulnerability manifests when these applications process specially crafted Radiance RGBE (.hdr) image files, creating a pathway for remote code execution through user-assisted attack vectors. The affected software components utilize the GFL SDK for image format handling, making this a widespread issue across multiple applications that depend on this library for graphics processing capabilities.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow occurs through improper bounds checking within the parsing routine of .hdr file formats. When the vulnerable applications encounter a crafted Radiance RGBE file, the parsing code fails to validate the size of data structures before copying data to fixed-size stack buffers. This allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially corrupting return addresses and control flow information. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows where data is written beyond the bounds of a stack-allocated buffer. The flaw's exploitation requires a user to open or process the malicious .hdr file, making it a user-assisted remote attack rather than a fully autonomous exploit, though the attack vector remains concerning due to the potential for social engineering in file delivery.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual application compromise to affect entire software ecosystems that rely on the GFL SDK. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The .hdr file format's legitimate use in professional graphics applications and scientific visualization makes this attack vector particularly dangerous, as users may legitimately expect to process such files. The vulnerability's presence in both XnView and NConvert applications means that users processing image files from untrusted sources face significant risk, especially in enterprise environments where these tools are commonly used for document management and image processing tasks. The attack surface expands to include any system where these vulnerable applications are installed and executed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0064 require immediate patching of affected applications and the underlying GFL SDK components. System administrators should prioritize updating XnView to version 1.93 or later, NConvert to version 4.86 or newer, and ensuring the GFL SDK is updated to versions that address this buffer overflow. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies, particularly for image files received from external sources, and consider deploying sandboxing mechanisms for image processing operations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the importance of user education and application whitelisting to prevent execution of malicious files. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring for unusual image processing activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that all dependent libraries are current with security patches to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in the software supply chain.