CVE-2009-1577 in Cscope
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the putstring function in find.c in Cscope before 15.6 allow user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long (1) function name or (2) symbol in a source-code file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1577 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in the Cscope source code analysis tool, specifically within the putstring function located in the find.c file. This vulnerability affects Cscope versions prior to 15.6 and exposes systems to potential remote code execution attacks when processing malformed source code files. The flaw manifests when the application encounters unusually long function names or symbols during code analysis operations, creating a condition where attacker-controlled input can overwrite adjacent stack memory regions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the putstring function, which fails to properly bounds-check string inputs before copying them to fixed-size stack buffers. When a user-assisted remote attacker provides a source code file containing excessively long function names or symbols, the application's insufficient buffer management allows the copied data to overflow beyond allocated memory boundaries. This overflow can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data, enabling attackers to manipulate program execution flow and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to compromise systems running vulnerable versions of Cscope. Since Cscope is commonly used for code navigation and analysis in development environments, attackers could exploit this weakness by uploading malicious source code files to shared repositories or development servers. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require local access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where Cscope is used for collaborative code analysis. This flaw aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK tactics including Execution through the ability to run arbitrary code, and Persistence if attackers establish backdoors through compromised systems. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be automated, making it attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise development environments. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that successful exploitation typically requires social engineering to convince users to analyze malicious files, though the underlying flaw remains exploitable regardless of user intent.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1577 focus primarily on upgrading to Cscope version 15.6 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should also implement input validation measures and restrict access to source code analysis tools to trusted users only. Additional protective measures include deploying network segmentation to limit exposure of systems running Cscope, implementing file integrity monitoring to detect malicious code injection attempts, and establishing secure coding practices for source code analysis tools. Regular vulnerability assessments and security updates form essential components of a comprehensive defense strategy against this class of buffer overflow vulnerabilities that continue to pose risks in legacy software environments.