CVE-2008-4316 in glib
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in glib/gbase64.c in GLib before 2.20 allow context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string that is converted either (1) from or (2) to a base64 representation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-4316 represents a critical security flaw within the GLib library ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.20. This issue manifests as multiple integer overflows within the gbase64.c file, which serves as the foundation for base64 encoding and decoding operations throughout the library. The vulnerability's severity stems from its potential to enable arbitrary code execution when processing specially crafted base64 strings, making it a significant concern for applications that rely on GLib's base64 functionality for data processing and transmission.
The technical flaw occurs when the GLib library processes base64 encoded strings that exceed normal operational parameters, leading to integer overflow conditions in the underlying calculation routines. When a context-dependent attacker provides a long string that undergoes base64 conversion, either during encoding or decoding operations, the integer overflow can corrupt memory structures and potentially allow for stack smashing or heap corruption. This vulnerability operates under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and falls within the broader category of memory corruption vulnerabilities that have historically been exploited for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across numerous applications that utilize GLib's base64 processing capabilities, including but not limited to web servers, email clients, network utilities, and system administration tools. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious base64 strings that trigger the integer overflow during processing, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The context-dependent nature of the attack means that the vulnerability requires specific conditions to be met, such as the presence of vulnerable applications that process user-supplied base64 data, but once triggered, the consequences can be severe and far-reaching.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4316 primarily involve immediate patching of affected GLib versions to 2.20 or later, where the integer overflow conditions have been properly addressed through improved input validation and overflow protection mechanisms. Organizations should also implement robust input sanitization measures for any base64 processing operations, including length validation and buffer size checks to prevent malicious inputs from triggering the vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for applications that depend on GLib and ensure they are updated to versions that contain the necessary security patches. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers may leverage the resulting code execution capabilities to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within compromised systems.