CVE-2009-1608 in MPLAB IDE
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in Microchip MPLAB IDE 8.30 and possibly earlier versions allow user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a .MCP project file with long (1) FILE_INFO, (2) CAT_FILTERS, and possibly other fields.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1608 represents a critical buffer overflow issue affecting Microchip MPLAB IDE version 8.30 and potentially earlier releases. This flaw resides in the handling of project files with the .MCP extension, specifically targeting the FILE_INFO and CAT_FILTERS fields within these files. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector requires user assistance, meaning an attacker must convince a victim to open a specially crafted malicious project file, making this a classic example of a social engineering component within a technical exploit.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the MPLAB IDE parser for .MCP project files. When the integrated development environment processes these files, it fails to properly validate the length of various fields including FILE_INFO and CAT_FILTERS, allowing maliciously constructed data to exceed allocated buffer boundaries. This memory corruption can occur during the parsing phase when the application attempts to read and process the project file contents without sufficient bounds checking mechanisms. The buffer overflow creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution, as attackers can manipulate the program's execution flow by overwriting return addresses or other critical memory locations, directly aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to the development environment and underlying system. Since MPLAB IDE is commonly used for embedded systems development, successful exploitation could compromise the integrity of firmware development processes, potentially affecting the security of end-user devices. The vulnerability affects developers working with Microchip's embedded processors, making it particularly concerning for organizations involved in critical embedded systems development where security is paramount. The remote aspect of the attack, though requiring user interaction, means that attackers could distribute malicious project files through various channels including compromised websites, development tools repositories, or social engineering campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1608 should focus on immediate patching of affected versions, as Microchip would have released updates addressing the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for project files, particularly those received from external sources or untrusted parties. Security-conscious development practices include enabling address space layout randomization and stack canaries where available, though these protections may be limited in older IDE versions. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to restrict access to development environments, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in development tools. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in development environments, as these tools often handle complex file formats and require robust protection against malformed inputs. Additionally, developers should be educated about the risks of opening project files from untrusted sources and maintain awareness of the potential for buffer overflow attacks in software parsing components, particularly in tools that process structured data formats like the .MCP project files in this case.