CVE-2010-0994 in Library
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in src/vl/vlDAT.cpp in Visualization Library 2009.08.812 allow user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted DAT file, related to the (1) vl::loadDAT and (2) vl::isDAT functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0994 represents a critical security flaw within the Visualization Library version 2009.08.812, specifically affecting the src/vl/vlDAT.cpp source file. This issue manifests as multiple buffer overflows that occur during the processing of DAT files, which are commonly used for data storage and exchange within visualization applications. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through user-assisted remote attacks, meaning that an attacker can manipulate a victim into opening a maliciously crafted DAT file, thereby executing arbitrary code on the target system without requiring direct system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking within the vl::loadDAT and vl::isDAT functions that handle DAT file parsing operations. These functions fail to properly validate the size and structure of incoming DAT file data, allowing attackers to craft malicious files that exceed the allocated buffer space. When the visualization library attempts to load or identify these crafted DAT files, the excessive data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical program data or executing attacker-controlled instructions. This type of vulnerability is classified as a buffer overflow under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient checks allow data to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable full system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable versions of the Visualization Library, potentially leading to data theft, system manipulation, or further network infiltration. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can deliver malicious DAT files through various vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where visualization tools are commonly deployed for data analysis and presentation purposes.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the Visualization Library, implementing strict file validation procedures for DAT file processing, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file transfer activities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of visualization tools on untrusted DAT files and establish secure coding practices that emphasize bounds checking and input validation. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code through the visualization library's processing functions, while also mapping to T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation due to potential system compromise. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of all visualization-related software components to identify similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities that may exist in related libraries or applications.