CVE-2008-2149 in Wordnet
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the searchwn function in Wordnet 2.0, 2.1, and 3.0 might allow context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long command line option. NOTE: this issue probably does not cross privilege boundaries except in cases in which Wordnet is used as a back end.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2149 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Wordnet lexical database software versions 2.0 through 3.0. This vulnerability specifically affects the searchwn function which handles command line option processing, creating a potential pathway for malicious code execution. The flaw manifests when the application processes excessively long command line arguments, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when data written to a stack buffer exceeds the buffer's allocated size, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to provide a carefully crafted command line argument that exceeds the allocated buffer space within the searchwn function. This overflow can overwrite the stack frame's return address, allowing an attacker to redirect program execution flow to malicious code. The vulnerability's context-dependent nature means that successful exploitation typically requires specific environmental conditions and may be limited by privilege boundaries. Wordnet's typical usage patterns as a lexical database tool mean that the application might not be running with elevated privileges in most scenarios, limiting the potential impact to local privilege escalation rather than system-wide compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2149 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a fundamental memory safety issue that could enable more sophisticated attack vectors. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to perform privilege escalation attacks, especially in environments where Wordnet is deployed with elevated permissions or as part of larger applications. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions of Wordnet (2.0, 2.1, and 3.0) indicates a persistent flaw in the codebase that required ongoing attention. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers the exploitation of system privileges, and T1059 which covers the use of command and scripting interpreters for execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2149 should focus on input validation and boundary checking within the searchwn function to prevent buffer overflows. System administrators should implement proper command line argument length limits and consider using stack protection mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization. The recommended approach involves updating to patched versions of Wordnet where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper bounds checking and memory management practices. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls to limit execution of vulnerable Wordnet versions and monitor for suspicious command line arguments that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security hardening measures including disabling unnecessary command line options and implementing proper memory protection mechanisms provide additional layers of defense against this class of vulnerability.