CVE-2008-1087 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in GDI in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2, Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Vista, and Server 2008 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an EMF image file with crafted filename parameters, aka "GDI Stack Overflow Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The CVE-2008-1087 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Graphics Device Interface (GDI) component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability affects a broad range of Windows versions including Windows 2000 Service Pack 4, Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 and 2, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes Enhanced Metafile (EMF) image files containing maliciously crafted filename parameters, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the GDI subsystem's handling of EMF file structures, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of EMF file headers and parameter structures that are processed by the Windows GDI component during image rendering operations. When an EMF file with specially crafted parameters is encountered, the system's GDI driver fails to properly validate the length of filename strings or other parameter fields, allowing an attacker to exceed the allocated buffer space on the stack. This overflow can corrupt return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level within the GDI subsystem, providing attackers with elevated privileges and direct access to system resources. This flaw maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking allows memory corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1087 extends far beyond simple system compromise, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the compromised user account. Since the vulnerability operates within the GDI subsystem, successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover, allowing attackers to install backdoors, modify system files, or establish persistent access. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can trigger the flaw through network-based attacks without requiring local access to the target system. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can execute malicious code through compromised system processes. The widespread affected versions create an enormous attack surface, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking mass exploitation opportunities, with potential impacts ranging from data theft to corporate network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1087 require immediate implementation of Microsoft security patches and updates, as the primary fix involves correcting the input validation within the GDI subsystem. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious EMF files, particularly in environments where email attachments or web browsing are common attack vectors. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual file processing activities and potential exploitation attempts through GDI-related system calls. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies, as the flaw demonstrates how kernel-level vulnerabilities can provide attackers with complete system control. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling unnecessary file processing capabilities and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted EMF files, aligning with ATT&CK techniques for privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms that attackers typically employ after initial compromise.