CVE-2008-1444 in DirectX
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Microsoft DirectX 7.0 and 8.1 on Windows 2000 SP4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a Synchronized Accessible Media Interchange (SAMI) file with crafted parameters for a Class Name variable, aka the "SAMI Format Parsing Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1444 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Microsoft DirectX 7.0 and 8.1 components running on Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the Synchronized Accessible Media Interchange (SAMI) file format processing functionality, which is part of the multimedia framework designed to handle timed text data for synchronized media playback. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation during the parsing of SAMI files, particularly when processing the Class Name variable parameter, creating a condition where maliciously crafted input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious SAMI file containing specially crafted Class Name parameters is processed by the vulnerable DirectX components. The buffer overflow condition manifests when the application fails to properly validate the length of the Class Name variable before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This allows an attacker to overwrite return addresses and other critical stack data, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the compromised process. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a means to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable DirectX versions. Windows 2000 SP4 systems are particularly at risk since they represent an older operating system platform that may not receive current security updates, making them prime targets for exploitation. The vulnerability can be triggered through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious websites that serve the crafted SAMI files. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious content.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the appropriate Microsoft security patches released as part of the regular update cycle. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment for all systems running affected DirectX versions, particularly those still operating on Windows 2000 platforms. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file type filtering for multimedia content, disabling automatic playback of potentially malicious files, and employing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date multimedia frameworks and considering the risks associated with legacy operating systems that may not receive continued security support. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted multimedia content and monitor for unusual process behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.