CVE-2008-2245 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the InternalOpenColorProfile function in mscms.dll in Microsoft Windows Image Color Management System (MSCMS) in the Image Color Management (ICM) component on Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, and Server 2003 SP1 and SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted image file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2245 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the Microsoft Windows Image Color Management System component. This flaw exists in the InternalOpenColorProfile function of mscms.dll, which is part of the Image Color Management (ICM) subsystem that handles color profile management for digital images. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows operating systems including Windows 2000 Service Pack 4, Windows XP Service Packs 2 and 3, and Windows Server 2003 Service Packs 1 and 2, making it particularly dangerous due to the widespread deployment of these systems in enterprise environments. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes crafted image files that contain maliciously formatted color profiles, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations in the heap memory space.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a classic buffer overflow attack pattern where insufficient input validation allows an attacker to provide a color profile that exceeds the allocated buffer size within the InternalOpenColorProfile function. When the system attempts to parse the malformed color profile, it writes data beyond the bounds of the allocated heap buffer, potentially overwriting critical memory structures including function pointers, return addresses, or other control data. This heap corruption enables remote code execution with the privileges of the affected process, typically the Windows Image Color Management service or the application that triggered the color profile processing. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration taxonomy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a powerful attack vector that can be leveraged across various scenarios. Attackers can deliver malicious color profiles through image files in email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that process untrusted image content. The attack surface is broad since any application that utilizes Windows ICM for color management can potentially be exploited, including web browsers, image viewers, document processing applications, and multimedia software. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell execution and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on target systems. The exploitation typically requires minimal user interaction beyond opening or processing a malicious image file, making it particularly effective for social engineering campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2245 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. Microsoft released security update MS08-038 to address this vulnerability, which should be deployed immediately across all affected systems. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of systems that process untrusted image content, and consider disabling color management functionality where possible. Application whitelisting and strict file type validation can help prevent execution of malicious color profiles, while regular security audits should verify that systems are properly patched and that no legacy systems remain vulnerable. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining current security practices including regular patch management, network monitoring for suspicious file processing activities, and implementing proper access controls to limit potential damage from successful exploitation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for image processing applications to contain potential exploits and reduce the attack surface of vulnerable components.