CVE-2009-2375 in Photo DVD Maker
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Photo DVD Maker 8.02, and possibly earlier versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long File_Name parameter in a .pdm file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2375 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in Photo DVD Maker version 8.02 and potentially earlier iterations. This security weakness resides within the application's handling of file parameters, specifically when processing .pdm files that contain a malformed File_Name parameter. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly check the length of user-supplied data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers on the stack. Such insufficient bounds checking creates an exploitable condition where maliciously crafted input can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely through the manipulation of .pdm files, which are commonly used for organizing photo and video content for dvd creation. The attack vector involves an attacker crafting a specially formatted .pdm file containing an excessively long File_Name parameter that exceeds the allocated buffer size, thereby causing the stack to overflow and potentially allowing execution of malicious code with the privileges of the affected application. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration as a fundamental flaw in memory management. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to the victim's system resources, including the ability to read sensitive data, modify system files, or establish persistent access through the compromised application. The threat landscape for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers may leverage the executed code to perform further malicious activities within the compromised environment. Given the nature of Photo DVD Maker as a multimedia application, the attack surface is broadened by the potential for exploitation through various media file formats that could be embedded within the malicious .pdm file structure. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of unsafe string handling practices where developers failed to implement proper input sanitization and buffer length validation before processing user-controllable data. The remote execution capability makes this particularly dangerous as attackers do not need physical access to the target system, enabling them to exploit the vulnerability through network-based delivery of malicious .pdm files. Organizations using affected versions of Photo DVD Maker should immediately implement mitigations including application whitelisting, network segmentation, and the deployment of intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious .pdm file processing activities. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of regular software updates and patch management procedures, as the issue likely existed in multiple versions of the software and could have been remediated through proper input validation implementation. The flaw also underscores the necessity of secure coding practices and thorough code review processes to identify and prevent similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in multimedia and document processing applications. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader assessment of legacy software systems that may contain similar memory corruption flaws, particularly in applications that process user-supplied data without adequate validation mechanisms. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities often requires minimal technical skill from attackers, making them attractive targets for automated exploitation tools and increasing the overall risk to organizations that have not properly secured their software environments.