CVE-2008-3865 in Internet Security 2008
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple heap-based buffer overflows in the ApiThread function in the firewall service (aka TmPfw.exe) in Trend Micro Network Security Component (NSC) modules, as used in Trend Micro OfficeScan 8.0 SP1 Patch 1 and Internet Security 2007 and 2008 17.0.1224, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a packet with a small value in an unspecified size field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3865 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the Trend Micro Network Security Component firewall service module. This vulnerability specifically affects the ApiThread function in the TmPfw.exe process which operates as part of the Trend Micro OfficeScan 8.0 SP1 Patch 1 and Internet Security 2007 and 2008 17.0.1224 products. The flaw manifests when processing network packets that contain malformed size fields, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overflow heap memory allocations. This particular vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category, which is classified as a serious memory corruption vulnerability that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the firewall service's packet processing logic where the ApiThread function fails to properly validate input data from network packets. When a malicious packet is received with an intentionally crafted small value in an unspecified size field, the function attempts to allocate heap memory based on this malformed input. The insufficient bounds checking allows the attacker to write beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory structures including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program state information. This heap corruption can be exploited to redirect program execution flow and ultimately achieve remote code execution on the vulnerable system.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3865 is severe given that it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication or local access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter by simply sending specially crafted packets to the affected Trend Micro services. The exploitation typically results in complete system compromise, allowing adversaries to execute malicious code with the privileges of the firewall service process, which often runs with elevated system permissions. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where Trend Micro products are deployed, potentially providing attackers with persistent access to network infrastructure and enabling lateral movement within the organization.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Trend Micro products to the latest available versions that contain fixes for the heap overflow condition. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable services to untrusted networks. The firewall service should be configured to minimize unnecessary exposure to external traffic, and network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and block traffic patterns associated with this specific vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability exploitation under the Tactic of Execution and the Technique of Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable adversaries to execute arbitrary code within the target environment. Organizations should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected Trend Micro products and ensure comprehensive network security coverage against similar heap-based buffer overflow conditions that could exist in other components of the security infrastructure.