CVE-2009-3338 in Magic Morph
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in EffectMatrix (E.M.) Magic Morph 1.95b allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string in a .mor file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3338 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within EffectMatrix Magic Morph version 1.95b, a multimedia animation and morphing software widely used for creating visual effects in digital media production. This vulnerability exists in the software's handling of .mor files, which are used to store animation sequences and morphing parameters. The flaw occurs when the application processes malformed input data contained within these files, specifically when encountering unusually long strings that exceed the allocated buffer space on the stack. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution, meaning that attackers can potentially compromise systems simply by enticing users to open maliciously crafted .mor files without requiring local system access or elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the file parsing routine of the EffectMatrix Magic Morph application. When processing a .mor file, the software allocates a fixed-size buffer on the stack to store string data, but fails to validate the length of incoming data before copying it into this buffer. This classic stack buffer overflow condition occurs when an attacker crafts a .mor file containing an excessively long string that overflows the allocated stack space, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in software security that has been consistently identified in numerous applications throughout the software development lifecycle.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain complete control over affected systems running the vulnerable version of EffectMatrix Magic Morph. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including email attachments, malicious websites, or compromised file sharing platforms where users might unknowingly download and open the malicious .mor files. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the file, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter such files in legitimate business contexts. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities for remote code execution, and T1068, which involves the exploitation of local privilege escalation mechanisms through software flaws.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3338 should prioritize immediate software updates from the vendor, as the affected version 1.95b likely received patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent execution of unknown or untrusted .mor files, particularly in environments where users might encounter such files through email or web browsing activities. Network-based security controls including intrusion prevention systems and web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious .mor file content. Additionally, security awareness training for end users is crucial to prevent accidental execution of malicious files, while system hardening measures such as stack protection mechanisms and address space layout randomization should be enabled to reduce exploit reliability. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in software development practices, aligning with industry security standards that emphasize defensive programming techniques to prevent buffer overflow conditions.