CVE-2008-0314 in ClamAV
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in spin.c in libclamav in ClamAV 0.92.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PeSpin packed PE binary with a modified length value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0314 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the ClamAV antivirus software suite, specifically within the libclamav library component. This flaw exists in the spin.c file which processes PE (Portable Executable) files, making it particularly dangerous as PE binaries are the standard executable format for windows operating systems. The vulnerability arises when ClamAV encounters a specially crafted PeSpin packed PE binary where the length field has been modified, creating a scenario where memory allocation calculations become invalid and lead to memory corruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking during the processing of packed PE files. When ClamAV attempts to parse the modified length value in the PeSpin packed binary, it allocates heap memory based on this incorrect value without sufficient validation. This allows an attacker to control the amount of memory allocated and subsequently overwrite adjacent memory regions. The heap-based nature of the overflow means that the attacker can manipulate heap metadata and potentially overwrite function pointers or other critical data structures, providing a pathway for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the legitimate functionality of antivirus software to deliver malicious payloads. Attackers can craft specific PE binaries that appear benign to casual inspection but contain the malicious length modification that triggers the buffer overflow. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where ClamAV is deployed for network-wide malware detection, as it could allow attackers to compromise security infrastructure rather than simply bypassing it. The attack requires network-based delivery of the malicious PE file, making it suitable for remote exploitation scenarios.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the broader category of memory safety issues in software development. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this under T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell and potentially T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, as the successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. The vulnerability also aligns with T1595.001 Reconnaissance: Network Scanning and T1190 Exploitation of Remote Services, as it represents an exploitation of a network-based service that processes file uploads or scans. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of ClamAV to version 0.92.2 or later, implementation of network-based intrusion detection rules targeting the specific malicious PE patterns, and application of heap protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization to reduce exploit reliability.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of input validation and memory safety in security software, as antivirus engines must process potentially malicious files without introducing new attack vectors. The flaw demonstrates how legitimate security tools can become attack targets when they fail to properly validate input data, creating a paradox where defensive software becomes a point of entry for attackers. Organizations should implement layered security approaches that include regular software updates, network monitoring for suspicious file processing patterns, and comprehensive testing of security tools against known vulnerability vectors to prevent similar issues from compromising their security infrastructure.