CVE-2008-3013 in Office
Summary
by MITRE
gdiplus.dll in GDI+ in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 SP1, Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Vista Gold and SP1, Server 2008, Office XP SP3, Office 2003 SP2 and SP3, 2007 Microsoft Office System Gold and SP1, Visio 2002 SP2, PowerPoint Viewer 2003, Works 8, Digital Image Suite 2006, SQL Server 2000 Reporting Services SP2, SQL Server 2005 SP2, Report Viewer 2005 SP1 and 2008, and Forefront Client Security 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a malformed GIF image file containing many extension markers for graphic control extensions and subsequent unknown labels, aka "GDI+ GIF Parsing Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2019
The CVE-2008-3013 vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in the GDI+ graphics processing component of Microsoft Windows operating systems and Office applications. This vulnerability specifically affects the gdiplus.dll module which handles graphics rendering operations, particularly when processing malformed GIF image files. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the GIF parsing engine that fails to properly handle extension markers and subsequent unknown labels in graphic control extensions. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specially designed GIF files containing excessive extension markers that trigger buffer overflow conditions during image processing, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of GIF file structures where the GDI+ component does not adequately validate the length and format of extension blocks within the image file. When Internet Explorer or other affected applications attempt to render such malformed GIF images, the parsing routine fails to check bounds properly, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically targets the graphic control extension markers in GIF files, where each extension marker can contain multiple sub-blocks that are processed without sufficient validation of their cumulative size or structure. This parsing flaw creates a scenario where an attacker can cause the application to write beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially allowing for stack or heap corruption that can be exploited to execute malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3013 is severe across multiple Microsoft products and operating systems, affecting a broad attack surface that includes Internet Explorer browsers, Microsoft Office applications, and various server environments. The vulnerability enables remote code execution without requiring user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in web-based attack scenarios where users might unknowingly encounter malicious GIF images. The exploitation typically occurs when users browse websites hosting malicious content or open infected email attachments that contain the crafted GIF files. The vulnerability affects systems running Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and various Microsoft Office versions, creating a widespread risk profile that spans enterprise networks and individual workstations. Organizations using SQL Server Reporting Services and Forefront Client Security are also vulnerable, highlighting the extensive reach of this particular flaw.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including immediate patching of affected systems and disabling automatic image rendering in web browsers where possible. The mitigation strategies should focus on network-level controls such as content filtering and web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious GIF files before they reach end-user systems. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting user privileges to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through scriptlets, emphasizing the need for comprehensive endpoint protection. System administrators should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to suspicious GIF file access patterns and implement regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems that may have been compromised. The remediation process requires careful consideration of patch deployment schedules and rollback procedures to ensure that critical business operations are not disrupted while maintaining security posture against this persistent threat.