CVE-2008-3360 in IntelliTamper
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the HTML parser in IntelliTamper 2.0.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long URL in the HREF attribute of an A element, a different vulnerability than CVE-2006-2494.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-3360 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the HTML parser component of IntelliTamper version 2.0.7. This security weakness specifically manifests when processing hypertext references in web content, making it particularly dangerous for web-based applications and services that utilize this software for content manipulation or analysis. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of input validation failures that can lead to arbitrary code execution, a common yet severe class of security flaws affecting software systems worldwide.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the HTML parsing logic where the application fails to properly validate or limit the length of URL strings contained within the href attribute of anchor elements. When an attacker crafts a maliciously long URL and embeds it within an A element's HREF attribute, the parsing routine attempts to store this excessive data on the stack without adequate bounds checking. This stack-based buffer overflow creates an exploitable condition where the overflow can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data, allowing an attacker to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the vulnerable application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a remote attack vector that can be leveraged from any location without requiring local system access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage or accessing a compromised web service. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory. This flaw particularly affects web applications and content filtering systems that process user-supplied HTML content, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on web-based security tools and content analysis platforms.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates the classic attack pattern where an attacker crafts a payload containing an excessively long URL string that triggers the buffer overflow condition in the HTML parser. The attack can be executed through various means including malicious web pages, compromised content management systems, or web services that process user-provided HTML input. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through web-based attack vectors without requiring any specialized local access or privileges, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools and widespread attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3360 should focus on immediate patching of the affected IntelliTamper software to version 2.0.8 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement input validation controls that enforce strict length limits on URL attributes and implement proper bounds checking within HTML parsing routines. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, emphasizing the need for robust application security controls including stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and input sanitization. Additionally, network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense to prevent exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in other components of the system infrastructure.