CVE-2008-1602 in Orbit downloader
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Orbit downloader 2.6.3 and 2.6.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long download URL, which is not properly handled during Unicode conversion for a balloon notification after a download has failed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1602 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in Orbit downloader versions 2.6.3 and 2.6.4 that exposes systems to remote code execution attacks. This flaw specifically manifests when the application processes excessively long download URLs that trigger Unicode conversion routines for balloon notifications following download failures. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue where data written to a stack buffer exceeds the buffer's allocated size. The Orbit downloader's failure to properly validate input length during Unicode conversion creates an exploitable condition that attackers can leverage to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a maliciously long download URL that exceeds the buffer capacity allocated for handling Unicode strings during balloon notification generation. When the downloader attempts to process this oversized URL and convert it to Unicode format for display in the balloon notification, the insufficient buffer bounds checking results in memory corruption. This memory corruption can be manipulated to overwrite the stack frame's return address, allowing an attacker to redirect execution flow to injected malicious code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates in a context where user-supplied URLs are processed without adequate input sanitization, making it susceptible to remote exploitation through web-based attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1602 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on systems running affected Orbit downloader versions, potentially leading to full system takeover, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability affects systems where Orbit downloader is installed and actively processes download requests, particularly those with internet connectivity or network access to malicious actors. The exploitation scenario typically involves an attacker hosting a malicious URL that, when accessed through the vulnerable downloader, triggers the buffer overflow condition during the Unicode conversion process for failed download notifications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected Orbit downloader versions to address the buffer overflow condition and implement proper input validation for URL handling. Organizations should ensure that all instances of Orbit downloader are updated to versions that properly validate buffer sizes during Unicode conversion processes, preventing the overflow condition from occurring. Additionally, network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and URL filtering can help prevent exploitation by blocking malicious URLs before they reach vulnerable systems. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual download URL patterns and failed download notification behaviors that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands through the compromised downloader application. The remediation process must also include comprehensive system scanning to identify all instances of the vulnerable software and ensure complete patch deployment across all affected environments.