CVE-2008-2880 in AFP Viewer Plug-in
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the IBM AFP Viewer Plug-in 2.0.7.1 and 3.2.1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long SRC property value. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2880 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the IBM AFP Viewer Plug-in versions 2.0.7.1 and 3.2.1.1. This security weakness resides in the plug-in's handling of the SRC property value, which is processed during the rendering of AFP (Advanced Function Presentation) documents. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the memory management routines of the viewer component, creating an exploitable condition where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The heap-based nature of the overflow indicates that the vulnerability occurs in dynamically allocated memory areas, making exploitation more complex but also more dangerous as it can lead to memory corruption that affects program execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a critical weakness in memory safety. The attack vector is remote, meaning that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web-based environments where the plug-in might be automatically loaded.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable versions of the IBM AFP Viewer Plug-in. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious AFP document containing an excessively long SRC property value that exceeds the allocated buffer size, causing the heap memory to overflow and potentially allowing an attacker to inject and execute malicious code. This vulnerability directly maps to the MITRE ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of vulnerabilities for code execution, and T1059, representing command and scripting interpreter techniques. The affected IBM AFP Viewer Plug-in is commonly used in enterprise environments for viewing and printing AFP documents, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in corporate networks where such documents might be automatically processed. The vulnerability's remote nature means that it could be exploited through web browsers, email attachments, or any other delivery mechanism that triggers the plug-in's execution. The lack of detailed information regarding the vulnerability's origin underscores the importance of proactive security measures and the need for comprehensive vulnerability management practices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2880 should focus on immediate remediation through official patches provided by IBM, as well as implementing defensive measures to reduce the attack surface. Organizations should disable or remove the affected IBM AFP Viewer Plug-in from systems where it is not essential for business operations, particularly in environments where the plug-in might be automatically loaded through web browsers or email clients. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of systems that might encounter AFP documents, while security monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping third-party components updated and maintaining comprehensive inventory of installed software plugins and their versions. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted AFP documents and ensure that only verified and patched versions of the plug-in are deployed. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other browser plug-ins and software components, as this vulnerability demonstrates how legacy software components can harbor critical security flaws that remain unpatched for extended periods. The incident also emphasizes the need for robust software supply chain security practices and the importance of vendor security advisories in maintaining overall system security posture.