CVE-2009-0183 in Free Download Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Remote Control Server in Free Download Manager (FDM) 2.5 Build 758 and 3.0 Build 844 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long Authorization header in an HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0183 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Remote Control Server component of Free Download Manager versions 2.5 Build 758 and 3.0 Build 844. This vulnerability exists in the handling of HTTP requests where the application fails to properly validate the length of the Authorization header field, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes HTTP requests containing excessively long Authorization headers, which exceed the allocated stack buffer space and overwrite adjacent memory regions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the Remote Control Server module of FDM. When processing HTTP requests, the application uses a fixed-size buffer to store the Authorization header content without performing adequate bounds checking or length validation. This primitive memory management approach creates a classic stack buffer overflow condition where maliciously crafted input can overwrite the return address and other critical stack variables, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a fundamental memory safety issue affecting software applications that do not properly validate input boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise potential within the context of the affected application. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring any local privileges or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for systems where FDM is deployed with network-accessible remote control functionality. Successful exploitation could result in full system compromise, data theft, persistent backdoor installation, or use as a pivot point for further attacks within a network environment. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet, making it a significant threat vector for organizations that have FDM configured with remote control capabilities.
Organizations and system administrators should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of Free Download Manager, disabling remote control functionality if not essential, and implementing network-level restrictions to prevent unauthorized access to affected systems. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution highlights the need for comprehensive network monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments of third-party applications and implementation of defensive coding practices such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and input validation controls can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Given the age of this vulnerability, organizations should also consider migrating away from legacy software versions that may contain similar unpatched security flaws and establish robust software inventory management processes to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their infrastructure.