CVE-2008-1709 in Visual InterDev
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Microsoft Visual InterDev 6.0 (SP6) allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a Studio Solution (.SLN) file with a long malformed Project line beginning with a Project("{}") = sequence, probably a different vector than CVE-2008-0250.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1709 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in Microsoft Visual InterDev 6.0 Service Pack 6, a legacy integrated development environment that was part of the Microsoft Visual Studio suite. This vulnerability specifically targets the parsing mechanism of .SLN solution files, which are used to manage complex software projects containing multiple components and dependencies. The flaw occurs when the application processes a malformed Project line that begins with the sequence Project("{}") =, indicating a deliberate attempt to exploit the software's inadequate input validation procedures.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from insufficient bounds checking within the parsing routine responsible for handling project definitions in solution files. When Visual InterDev encounters a Project line with an excessively long malformed entry, the application fails to properly validate the length of the input data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the application's execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios, making it a significant concern for software security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a user-assisted attack vector that can be leveraged through social engineering techniques. An attacker would need to convince a user to open a specially crafted .SLN file containing the malicious Project line, but once executed, the vulnerability could enable complete system compromise. The attack scenario typically involves the user opening a seemingly legitimate solution file, which triggers the vulnerable parsing code. This vector demonstrates the importance of input sanitization and proper memory management practices that are fundamental to secure software development. The vulnerability's relationship to CVE-2008-0250 suggests a pattern of similar buffer overflow issues within the Visual InterDev product line, indicating systemic weaknesses in the application's data handling mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment as the primary defense mechanism, since Microsoft released security updates specifically addressing this issue in their service pack updates. Organizations should also implement strict file validation procedures for solution files and consider restricting user access to potentially malicious file types. Network-level protections such as email filtering and web application firewalls can help prevent the delivery of malicious .SLN files to target systems. Additionally, security awareness training for developers can reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that rely on users opening suspicious solution files. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices including input validation, bounds checking, and proper memory management as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and the CERT Secure Coding Standards, which recommend implementing defensive programming techniques to prevent buffer overflow conditions and maintain application integrity.