CVE-2008-5401 in Trillian
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the image tooltip implementation in Trillian before 3.1.12.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long image filename, related to "AIM IMG Tag Parsing."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5401 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Trillian instant messaging client software. This flaw specifically affects versions prior to 3.1.12.0 and manifests in the image tooltip implementation functionality. The vulnerability occurs when Trillian processes image tooltips, particularly in scenarios involving AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) IMG tag parsing. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking during the processing of image filenames, creating an exploitable condition where maliciously crafted input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of image filenames within the AIM protocol implementation. When Trillian encounters an IMG tag in AIM communications, it attempts to parse and display the associated image tooltip. However, the software fails to properly validate the length of the filename parameter, allowing an attacker to supply an excessively long string that exceeds the allocated buffer space. This buffer overflow condition enables attackers to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security practices. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring any local privileges or user interaction beyond receiving a malicious message.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to user security and system integrity. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain complete control over affected systems, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or deployment of additional malware. The remote exploitation capability means that users need not be actively engaged with the application to be affected, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where instant messaging is widely used. The vulnerability affects the core communication functionality of Trillian, which is designed for real-time messaging and file transfer, creating a persistent threat vector that could be exploited in targeted attacks or mass exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary recommendation is to upgrade to Trillian version 3.1.12.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures for handling compromised systems. Security professionals should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict the execution of unauthorized code and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and bounds checking in software development practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, which emphasize the need for secure coding practices to prevent memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to arbitrary code execution.