CVE-2010-2331 in iSharer File Sharing Wizard
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in iSharer File Sharing Wizard 1.5.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long HEAD request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2331 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the iSharer File Sharing Wizard version 1.5.0 software. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of HTTP HEAD requests, specifically when processing malformed or excessively long header data. The flaw occurs due to insufficient input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the software's network processing routines, creating an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack memory. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to send a specially crafted HTTP HEAD request containing an excessive amount of data to the vulnerable iSharer File Sharing Wizard service. When the application processes this malformed request without proper input sanitization, the buffer overflow occurs during the parsing of the request headers, potentially overwriting return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack memory segments. The attack vector is remote and does not require authentication, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise systems running this vulnerable software. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it targets a publicly accessible network service. The successful exploitation can result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected service, potentially leading to full system compromise and persistent access.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2331 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or exfiltrate sensitive data from compromised systems. Organizations running vulnerable versions of iSharer File Sharing Wizard are at significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that file sharing applications often run with elevated privileges and may have access to sensitive organizational data. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation in network services can lead to critical remote code execution flaws, aligning with the broader security principle that all network-facing applications should implement robust input sanitization and bounds checking mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2331 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the vendor, as well as network-level protections to prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate vulnerable services, deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious HEAD request patterns, and consider disabling unnecessary file sharing services where possible. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs that can identify and remediate such flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Additionally, implementing proper network access controls and monitoring for unusual traffic patterns can help detect exploitation attempts and reduce the risk of successful attacks. Security teams should also ensure that all network services undergo rigorous input validation testing to prevent similar buffer overflow conditions from occurring in other applications.