CVE-2008-6953 in oovoo
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in oovoo.exe in ooVoo 1.7.1.35, and possibly other versions before 1.7.1.59, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long oovoo: URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6953 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in the oovoo.exe component of ooVoo instant messaging software version 1.7.1.35 and earlier. This security weakness specifically affects the handling of oovoo: URIs within the application's protocol processing mechanism, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the software through maliciously crafted URI inputs. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, which occurs when data is written beyond the bounds of a fixed-length buffer, potentially corrupting adjacent memory regions and leading to unpredictable application behavior. The flaw is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution in addition to denial of service conditions, making it a significant threat vector for attackers seeking to compromise systems running vulnerable versions of the software.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the ooVoo application processes a maliciously constructed oovoo: URI containing excessive data that exceeds the allocated buffer space. This overflow condition can cause the application to crash or potentially allow an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the running process. The buffer overflow vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the URI parsing functionality of the oovoo.exe executable, where the application fails to properly sanitize or limit the length of data received through the oovoo: protocol handler. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting specially formatted URIs that, when processed by the vulnerable application, trigger the buffer overflow condition and enable remote code execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected user. The vulnerability affects users who have the ooVoo application installed and configured to handle oovoo: URIs, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may inadvertently click on malicious links or receive crafted URIs through social engineering attacks. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the target system, enabling widespread exploitation across networked environments. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to establish persistent access and execute commands on compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6953 primarily involve updating to ooVoo version 1.7.1.59 or later, which contains patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions in the URI handling mechanism. System administrators should implement network-based protections such as firewall rules that block oovoo: URI processing or restrict access to known malicious domains that might deliver crafted URIs. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the dangers of clicking on untrusted links or opening unknown URI schemes. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in software development, particularly for protocol handlers that process external data. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized applications and monitor for suspicious URI processing activities. Regular vulnerability assessments and security updates should be prioritized to address similar buffer overflow conditions that may exist in other legacy applications and protocols.