CVE-2008-3024 in RTOS
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in phgrafx in QNX Momentics (aka RTOS) 6.3.2 and earlier allows local users to gain privileges via a long .pal filename in palette/.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3024 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the phgrafx component of QNX Momentics real-time operating system version 6.3.2 and earlier. This issue resides in the palette file handling functionality where the software fails to properly validate input length when processing .pal filename extensions within the palette directory. The buffer overflow occurs during the parsing of user-supplied filenames, specifically when the system attempts to store a lengthy palette filename on the stack without adequate bounds checking. This vulnerability exists in the context of local privilege escalation scenarios where an attacker with access to the system can manipulate the palette file processing mechanism to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The flaw is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which is a well-documented vulnerability pattern that allows attackers to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data structures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a local attacker to create or modify a palette file with an excessively long filename within the designated palette directory. When the phgrafx application processes this malformed input, the insufficient bounds checking causes the stack buffer to overflow, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite the saved return address on the stack. This enables arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the running process, which in many cases would be elevated privileges due to the nature of real-time operating system components. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in embedded systems environments where QNX Momentics is commonly deployed, as these systems often operate with high privilege levels and may control critical infrastructure components.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3024 extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to compromise the integrity and availability of embedded systems running QNX RTOS. In industrial control systems, automotive applications, or medical devices that utilize QNX Momentics, this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical system functions, potentially leading to system failures, data corruption, or unauthorized control of physical processes. The attack vector is relatively simple to exploit since it only requires local access to the system and the ability to manipulate palette files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access might be more prevalent than expected. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting local privilege escalation opportunities, and T1059 which encompasses the execution of malicious code through system components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3024 should focus on immediate patching of the QNX Momentics software to version 6.4.0 or later, where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators should implement strict file access controls to limit local user access to palette directories and consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual filename patterns or file modifications. The vulnerability can also be mitigated through code-level protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and non-executable stack protections. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions of QNX Momentics and ensure that proper input validation procedures are implemented throughout the software stack. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and least privilege access models can reduce the potential impact of exploitation, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be performed to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components.