CVE-2008-5403 in Trillian
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the XML parser in the AIM plugin in Trillian before 3.1.12.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a malformed XML tag.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5403 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the XML parser component of Trillian's AIM plugin. This flaw exists in versions prior to 3.1.12.0 and creates a significant security risk that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of malformed XML tags within the instant messaging client's plugin architecture, where improper input validation leads to memory corruption that can be leveraged for malicious execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the XML parsing logic of the AIM plugin module. When Trillian processes incoming XML data through its AIM plugin, the parser fails to properly validate the length and structure of XML tags, allowing an attacker to craft specially malformed XML content that exceeds the allocated heap buffer space. This overflow condition occurs during the parsing of XML elements that contain excessive data or malformed structures, causing adjacent memory locations to be overwritten with attacker-controlled data. The vulnerability maps to CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a serious weakness in memory management and input validation practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to compromise the entire Trillian application and potentially the underlying system. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted XML messages through AIM protocol communications, which when processed by the vulnerable plugin, trigger the buffer overflow condition. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the Trillian application user. This represents a significant threat in environments where instant messaging clients are used for business communications, as it could lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could leverage the code execution capability to establish persistent access and perform further malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Trillian to version 3.1.12.0 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and input validation for XML parsing operations. Organizations should also implement network-level controls to restrict AIM protocol communications where possible, and consider disabling the AIM plugin entirely if it is not essential for business operations. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual XML parsing activities or potential exploitation attempts. The fix implemented by Trillian developers addresses the core memory management issue by introducing proper buffer size validation and implementing secure parsing mechanisms that prevent heap corruption. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially vulnerable components within their instant messaging infrastructure, as similar issues may exist in other third-party plugins or applications that handle XML data processing.