CVE-2008-2437 in OfficeScan
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in cgiRecvFile.exe in Trend Micro OfficeScan 7.3 patch 4 build 1362 and other builds, OfficeScan 8.0 and 8.0 SP1, and Client Server Messaging Security 3.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an HTTP request containing a long ComputerName parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2437 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the cgiRecvFile.exe component of Trend Micro OfficeScan products. This vulnerability affects multiple versions including OfficeScan 7.3 patch 4 build 1362 and earlier builds, OfficeScan 8.0 and 8.0 SP1, as well as Client Server Messaging Security 3.6. The flaw manifests when the system processes HTTP requests containing excessively long ComputerName parameters, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory on the stack. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that has been consistently exploited in various attack vectors throughout the industry.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation within the cgiRecvFile.exe module. When an HTTP request is received with a ComputerName parameter exceeding the allocated buffer size, the application fails to perform adequate bounds checking before copying the data into memory. This allows an attacker to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack variables with maliciously crafted data. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires only a remote HTTP request to exploit, making it accessible to attackers without physical access to the target system. According to ATT&CK framework, this represents a remote code execution technique categorized under T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, with the specific technique being T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation or denial of service scenarios. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service account. This typically translates to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, potential lateral movement within network infrastructure, and establishment of persistent backdoors. Organizations running affected Trend Micro OfficeScan versions face significant risk as the vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers through web-based interfaces, making it particularly attractive for widespread exploitation campaigns. The vulnerability's presence in multiple product versions and service packs indicates a systemic issue that required comprehensive patching across the entire product line, demonstrating the severity of the flaw in enterprise security environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2437 should include immediate deployment of official patches provided by Trend Micro, which address the buffer overflow by implementing proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected web services, limiting exposure to untrusted networks. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems with signatures specific to this vulnerability can help detect exploitation attempts. From a compliance perspective, organizations should ensure that all systems are updated according to vendor advisories and that proper vulnerability management processes are in place to prevent similar issues. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments of third-party applications, particularly those handling user input through web interfaces. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting controls to prevent execution of unauthorized code and maintain comprehensive monitoring of system logs for signs of exploitation attempts.