CVE-2008-4825 in UltraISO
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in UltraISO 9.3.1.2633, and possibly other versions before 9.3.3.2685, allow user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted (1) CIF, (2) C2D, or (3) GI file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4825 represents a critical buffer overflow issue affecting UltraISO software version 9.3.1.2633 and earlier versions up to 9.3.2.2684. This flaw exists within the file parsing functionality of the software, specifically when processing three distinct file formats including CIF, C2D, and GI files. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient space is allocated for data, and CWE-122, which covers stack-based buffer overflows. The attack vector requires user interaction, meaning an attacker must convince a victim to open a maliciously crafted file, making this a user-assisted remote code execution vulnerability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the file parsing routines of UltraISO. When the software processes these specific file formats, it fails to properly bounds-check data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. This allows attackers to overflow the allocated memory space and overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses or function pointers. The buffer overflow occurs during the parsing of the CIF, C2D, or GI file structures, where the application does not sufficiently validate the length or content of data fields before storing them in memory buffers. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable software.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4825 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within affected systems. The vulnerability affects users who may encounter malicious files in legitimate contexts such as email attachments, download directories, or shared network locations. Since the exploitation requires user interaction, social engineering becomes a critical component of successful attacks, making this vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against in enterprise environments where user behavior cannot be fully controlled. The attack pattern follows typical exploit chains documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques such as T1059 for command and script interpreter execution, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate software updates to version 9.3.3.2685 or later, which contains patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement strict file access controls and user education programs to reduce the risk of users opening potentially malicious files. Network-based protections such as email filtering and web proxy configurations can help prevent the delivery of malicious files to end users. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized software, particularly in environments where users may be exposed to untrusted file formats. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in preventing memory corruption exploits that can lead to complete system compromise.