CVE-2008-6897 in Getleft
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in Getleft.exe in Andres Garcia Getleft 1.2 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long (1) "a" HTML tag; a long src attribute in (2) embed, (3) img, or (4) script tags; (5) a long background attribute in a body tag; and other unspecified tags.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6897 represents a critical buffer overflow issue within Getleft.exe, the core executable of Andres Garcia Getleft version 1.2, a media player application. This flaw exists in the HTML parsing component of the software and demonstrates a classic example of improper input validation that can lead to severe security consequences. The vulnerability specifically affects how the application processes HTML content, particularly when handling various HTML tags and their attributes. The buffer overflow occurs when the application attempts to process malformed HTML input without adequate bounds checking, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit the weakness through carefully crafted input sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves multiple attack vectors that all stem from the same underlying buffer overflow flaw. Attackers can trigger the vulnerability through several HTML tag variations including excessively long "a" HTML tags, extended src attributes within embed tags, img tags, and script tags, as well as through oversized background attributes in body tags. These attack vectors collectively demonstrate the scope of the vulnerability across different HTML parsing contexts within the application. The flaw operates by writing more data into a fixed-length buffer than it can accommodate, causing adjacent memory to be overwritten and potentially leading to unpredictable behavior. According to CWE standards, this represents a CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the broader class of buffer overflow vulnerabilities that can result in arbitrary code execution or system crashes.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6897 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable remote code execution, making it a particularly dangerous vulnerability in the context of media player applications. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause the Getleft application to crash and terminate unexpectedly, resulting in a denial of service for legitimate users. However, the more serious implication involves the potential for arbitrary code execution, which would allow attackers to run malicious software on vulnerable systems. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because media player applications often process content from untrusted sources, making them attractive targets for exploitation. The attack requires remote access to deliver malicious HTML content, making it suitable for web-based attacks and potentially enabling attackers to compromise systems through drive-by downloads or malicious websites. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute code on target systems through client-side exploitation.
The remediation and mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6897 focus primarily on updating to patched versions of the Getleft software, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch management to protect against exploitation attempts, particularly given the potential for remote code execution. Additionally, network administrators should implement content filtering measures to prevent access to potentially malicious HTML content, and users should avoid downloading media content from untrusted sources. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in software development, as the flaw could have been prevented through better defensive programming practices. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures for handling such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing proper security controls in media processing applications that handle untrusted content.