CVE-2009-2879 in WebEx
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in atas32.dll in the Cisco WebEx WRF Player 26.x before 26.49.32 (aka T26SP49EP32) for Windows, 27.x before 27.10.x (aka T27SP10) for Windows, 26.x before 26.49.35 for Mac OS X and Linux, and 27.x before 27.11.8 for Mac OS X and Linux allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or execute arbitrary code via a crafted WebEx Recording Format (WRF) file, a different vulnerability than CVE-2009-2876 and CVE-2009-2878.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-2879 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting the Cisco WebEx WRF Player software across multiple platform versions. This flaw resides within the atas32.dll component and specifically targets the handling of WebEx Recording Format files, which are commonly used for storing and distributing webinar recordings. The vulnerability affects various version ranges including 26.x releases before 26.49.32 for Windows, 27.x releases before 27.10.x for Windows, and corresponding Mac OS X and Linux versions with similar version constraints. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the software's memory management through specially crafted WRF files, creating potential for both denial of service conditions and arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper bounds checking within the heap memory allocation routines of the atas32.dll library. When the WebEx WRF Player processes a maliciously crafted WRF file, the software fails to validate the size of data structures before copying them into heap-allocated memory regions. This oversight allows attackers to overflow buffer boundaries and overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow. The heap-based nature of the vulnerability means that the attack can manipulate heap metadata and pointers, providing attackers with sophisticated control over the program's memory layout and execution path. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as heap-based buffer overflow, which represents a common but dangerous category of memory corruption flaws that can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable full system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, typically resulting in privilege escalation opportunities. The denial of service aspect creates immediate availability issues for legitimate users who may be unable to access WebEx recordings, while the code execution capability allows for persistent compromise of affected systems. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where WebEx is widely deployed for collaboration and training purposes, making it a high-value target for adversaries seeking to establish persistent access or disrupt business operations. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access to target systems and can deliver malicious WRF files through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious websites.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2879 should include immediate patch deployment from Cisco, as the vendor released specific updates addressing this vulnerability in the affected version ranges. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of WebEx Player installations to untrusted networks and users. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious WRF file handling activities and network traffic patterns associated with WebEx Player exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 as Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for endpoint protection measures including application whitelisting policies and behavior monitoring. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling automatic playback of WRF files in web browsers and email clients to reduce attack surface. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining unpatched instances of the vulnerable software across the enterprise environment, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all affected platforms and version combinations.