CVE-2009-2850 in Common Data Format
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in NASA Common Data Format (CDF) allow context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code, as demonstrated using (1) an array index error in the ReadAEDRList64 function, and other errors in the (2) SearchForRecord_r_64, (3) LastRecord64, (4) CDFsel64, and other unspecified functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2021
The CVE-2009-2850 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the NASA Common Data Format (CDF) library, which is widely used for storing and managing scientific data across various space and earth science applications. This vulnerability stems from multiple buffer overflow conditions that occur within the CDF library's handling of data structures, particularly affecting functions designed to process large datasets. The CDF format serves as a standardized data container for scientific data from NASA missions and research projects, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on space science data processing systems. The vulnerability affects versions of the CDF library that handle 64-bit data structures, specifically targeting functions that process array indexing and record selection operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through several distinct buffer overflow conditions within the CDF library's core processing functions. The primary exploitation vector involves an array index error within the ReadAEDRList64 function, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory buffers. Additionally, multiple other functions including SearchForRecord_r_64, LastRecord64, and CDFsel64 exhibit similar buffer overflow characteristics. These functions process large scientific datasets that require extensive memory management, and the lack of proper input validation creates opportunities for attackers to craft malicious data files that trigger memory corruption. The vulnerability is context-dependent, meaning that successful exploitation requires specific conditions related to the data being processed and the manner in which the CDF library is invoked by applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2850 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it represents a serious threat to scientific data integrity and system security within research and space exploration environments. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can achieve arbitrary code execution on systems processing CDF files, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive scientific data. The implications are particularly severe for NASA and related research institutions where the CDF library is extensively used for processing mission-critical data from satellites, space probes, and scientific instruments. This vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate or corrupt scientific datasets, potentially affecting research outcomes, mission planning, and data analysis results. The context-dependent nature of the vulnerability means that exploitation requires specific data formats and processing conditions, but once achieved, the impact can be devastating to scientific operations and data security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2850 should focus on immediate patching of affected CDF library versions, alongside comprehensive system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating to patched versions of the CDF library that include proper bounds checking and input validation for all affected functions. System administrators should implement strict file validation procedures for CDF data files, particularly when processing external or untrusted data sources. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit exposure of systems processing CDF data, following principles of least privilege and defense in depth. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to memory corruption. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communication and privilege escalation through code injection, as attackers could potentially use the arbitrary code execution capability to establish persistent access to affected systems. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring and alerting for unusual data processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.