CVE-2009-2502 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in GDI+ in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 SP1, Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Office XP SP3, Office 2003 SP3, 2007 Microsoft Office System SP1 and SP2, Office Project 2002 SP1, Visio 2002 SP2, Office Word Viewer, Word Viewer 2003 Gold and SP3, Office Excel Viewer 2003 Gold and SP3, Office Excel Viewer, Office PowerPoint Viewer 2007 Gold, SP1, and SP2, Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats SP1 and SP2, Expression Web, Expression Web 2, Groove 2007 Gold and SP1, Works 8.5, SQL Server 2000 Reporting Services SP2, SQL Server 2005 SP2 and SP3, Report Viewer 2005 SP1, Report Viewer 2008 Gold and SP1, and Forefront Client Security 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted TIFF image file, aka "GDI+ TIFF Buffer Overflow Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The CVE-2009-2502 vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Graphics Device Interface Plus component of Microsoft products, specifically affecting GDI+ functionality in Internet Explorer and various Office applications. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation when processing TIFF image files, creating a condition where maliciously crafted image data can overwrite adjacent memory regions. The flaw exists in the way GDI+ handles certain TIFF image structures, particularly when parsing image headers and metadata, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability impacts a wide range of Microsoft products spanning multiple versions, demonstrating the widespread nature of the GDI+ implementation across the Microsoft ecosystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of TIFF image file structures, specifically targeting the buffer handling mechanisms within GDI+ image processing routines. When a vulnerable application encounters a specially crafted TIFF file, the parsing process fails to properly validate buffer boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. The attack vector typically involves embedding the malicious TIFF file within web content or Office documents, requiring user interaction to trigger the vulnerable code path. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The exploitation process often involves crafting specific TIFF headers that cause the buffer overflow to overwrite return addresses or function pointers, enabling attackers to redirect execution flow.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2502 extends across multiple attack surfaces given the widespread deployment of affected Microsoft products across enterprise environments. Organizations using vulnerable versions of Internet Explorer, Office applications, or SQL Server Reporting Services face significant risk of remote code execution attacks, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access to systems. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within networks, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where these applications are commonly deployed. Security researchers have documented numerous real-world exploitation attempts targeting the vulnerability, with attack campaigns often leveraging social engineering to deliver malicious TIFF files through email attachments or compromised websites. The impact is further amplified by the fact that many organizations continued using older versions of affected software, extending the window of vulnerability exposure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2502 should focus on both immediate patch deployment and operational security measures to reduce attack surface. Microsoft released security updates addressing the vulnerability in their regular security bulletins, and organizations should prioritize deployment of these patches across all affected systems. Additionally, implementing content filtering measures to block TIFF file attachments in email systems and web browsers can provide defense-in-depth protection. Network segmentation and access control measures can limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while application whitelisting solutions can prevent execution of untrusted TIFF files. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution, as attackers often leverage the executed code to establish persistence or escalate privileges. Organizations should also implement monitoring for suspicious file processing activities and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing buffer overflow vulnerabilities in graphics processing components.