CVE-2009-4476 in ViRobot Desktop
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in HAURI ViRobot Desktop 5.5 before 2009-09-28.00 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, as demonstrated by a certain module in VulnDisco Pack Professional 7.15 through 8.11. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4476 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in HAURI ViRobot Desktop version 5.5 and earlier releases. This vulnerability was specifically addressed before September 28, 2009, with the release of version 2009-09-28.00. The flaw resides within the software's handling of data structures that are processed through the stack memory allocation mechanism, creating a condition where an attacker can manipulate the program's execution flow by overwriting adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is particularly concerning as it allows remote code execution, meaning an attacker does not need physical access to the target system to leverage this weakness. The specific vectors that trigger this buffer overflow were demonstrated through the use of certain modules within the VulnDisco Pack Professional software versions 7.15 through 8.11, indicating that the vulnerability could be exploited through network-based attacks targeting the affected software components.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The flaw manifests when the application processes input data that exceeds the allocated buffer size, causing the stack to overflow and potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program state information. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of memory corruption vulnerabilities that are frequently targeted by attackers due to their potential for arbitrary code execution. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious input that specifically targets the buffer size limitation, causing the program to write beyond its allocated memory space and overwrite critical execution context elements. The vulnerability's remote exploitability indicates that the attack can be launched from outside the local network, making it particularly dangerous for networked systems and applications that are exposed to external traffic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of systems running vulnerable versions of HAURI ViRobot Desktop. Organizations utilizing this software in their security infrastructure face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential system compromise. The vulnerability's presence in a desktop security application creates a particularly dangerous scenario where attackers can exploit the very software designed to protect systems. The fact that this vulnerability was demonstrated through specific modules within the VulnDisco Pack Professional indicates that it was likely part of broader exploitation frameworks that could be easily adapted by threat actors. Security professionals must recognize that such vulnerabilities can be leveraged to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or conduct further reconnaissance within compromised networks, making them particularly attractive targets for advanced persistent threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of the patched version 2009-09-28.00 released by HAURI, as well as comprehensive network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow suggests that traditional security measures such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention could have helped mitigate exploitation attempts, though these protections were not sufficient to prevent the vulnerability from being exploited in the wild. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running vulnerable software and conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected applications or systems within their environment. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability would map to techniques involving buffer overflow exploitation and remote code execution, with potential lateral movement opportunities once initial compromise is achieved. Regular patch management processes and security awareness training for personnel handling security tools can help reduce the risk of exploitation through this and similar vulnerabilities.