CVE-2008-2664 in Ruby
Summary
by MITRE
The rb_str_format function in Ruby 1.8.4 and earlier, 1.8.5 before 1.8.5-p231, 1.8.6 before 1.8.6-p230, 1.8.7 before 1.8.7-p22, and 1.9.0 before 1.9.0-2 allows context-dependent attackers to trigger memory corruption via unspecified vectors related to alloca, a different issue than CVE-2008-2662, CVE-2008-2663, and CVE-2008-2725. NOTE: as of 20080624, there has been inconsistent usage of multiple CVE identifiers related to Ruby. The CVE description should be regarded as authoritative, although it is likely to change.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2664 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the Ruby programming language's string formatting functionality. This issue affects multiple versions of Ruby including 1.8.4 and earlier releases, 1.8.5 before 1.8.5-p231, 1.8.6 before 1.8.6-p230, 1.8.7 before 1.8.7-p22, and 1.9.0 before 1.9.0-2. The vulnerability specifically resides in the rb_str_format function which handles string formatting operations in the Ruby interpreter. This flaw enables context-dependent attackers to manipulate memory structures through unspecified vectors that are related to the alloca function, which is a stack allocation mechanism commonly used in C-based implementations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory allocation during string formatting operations. When the rb_str_format function processes certain input patterns, it utilizes the alloca function to allocate memory on the stack for temporary string operations. The flaw occurs when the function fails to properly validate or manage the memory boundaries associated with these stack allocations, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption scenarios. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a significant concern for any system running vulnerable Ruby versions. The issue is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through normal string formatting operations, making it difficult to detect and prevent through standard input validation measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2664 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the Ruby interpreter. Attackers who can manipulate string formatting operations in vulnerable applications may be able to overwrite memory locations, manipulate program flow, or cause application crashes that could be exploited for more severe consequences. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications and server-side Ruby applications where user input is processed through string formatting functions. The memory corruption can manifest in various ways including segmentation faults, application instability, or more sophisticated exploitation techniques that leverage the corrupted memory state to execute malicious code. Organizations running Ruby applications on affected versions face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited remotely through web interfaces or other user input mechanisms that utilize string formatting.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2664 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of Ruby. System administrators should upgrade to Ruby versions 1.8.5-p231, 1.8.6-p230, 1.8.7-p22, or 1.9.0-2 respectively, which contain the necessary fixes for the memory allocation issues in the rb_str_format function. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures and sanitize all user-provided data before processing through string formatting operations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based attacks, as it can be exploited through Ruby scripts that process user input. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory allocation patterns and potential buffer overflow indicators in Ruby application logs. Organizations should also consider implementing application-level sandboxing and restricting the execution environment of Ruby applications to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The inconsistent CVE identification mentioned in the original description highlights the complexity of vulnerability tracking and emphasizes the importance of verifying vulnerability details through authoritative sources rather than relying solely on CVE identifiers.