CVE-2011-10034 in AUTOMGEN
Summary
by MITRE • 11/13/2025
AUTOMGEN versions up to and including 8.0.0.7 (also referenced as 8.022) contain a vulnerability in that project file handling frees an object and subsequently dereferences the stale pointer when processing certain malformed fields. The dangling-pointer use enables an attacker to influence an indirect call through attacker-controlled memory, resulting in denial-of-service. In some conditions, remote code execution may be possible.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-10034 affects AUTOMGEN software versions up to and including 8.0.0.7, also known as version 8.022, presenting a critical security flaw in project file processing mechanisms. This vulnerability stems from improper memory management during the handling of malformed project file fields, creating a dangerous scenario where an object is freed from memory and then subsequently dereferenced through a dangling pointer. The flaw represents a classic memory corruption vulnerability that violates fundamental safe programming practices and can be categorized under CWE-416 which specifically addresses use after free conditions in software development. The issue manifests when AUTOMGEN processes certain malformed fields within project files, triggering an improper sequence where memory deallocation occurs before subsequent pointer usage, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions, though that remains the primary consequence. When an attacker successfully exploits this dangling pointer dereference, they can potentially manipulate indirect calls through attacker-controlled memory regions, effectively allowing for arbitrary code execution under specific conditions. This capability transforms what might initially appear as a denial-of-service vulnerability into a potential remote code execution threat, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential damage. The vulnerability's exploitation requires careful crafting of malformed project files that trigger the specific memory management flaw, making it somewhat targeted but still dangerous given the software's potential deployment in critical infrastructure environments. The indirect call manipulation aspect of this vulnerability aligns with techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy under ATT&CK framework, specifically relating to privilege escalation and code injection methods that leverage memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The memory management flaw in AUTOMGEN's project file parser creates a dangerous condition where the application's handling of malformed input directly leads to memory corruption. When the software encounters certain malformed fields within project files, it executes a sequence where an object is freed from memory and then referenced again through a stale pointer, creating a situation where the application attempts to access memory that has already been deallocated. This particular vulnerability demonstrates poor memory lifecycle management and lacks proper bounds checking or validation of pointer states before dereferencing operations. The potential for remote code execution occurs when the attacker can control the memory contents at the dangling pointer location, allowing them to redirect program execution flow through manipulation of the indirect call targets. Organizations using AUTOMGEN software in production environments face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it can be exploited through simple project file manipulation without requiring special privileges or complex attack chains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-10034 should focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by the vendor, as well as implementing defensive programming practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom applications. The recommended approach involves upgrading to AUTOMGEN versions that address this specific memory management flaw through proper pointer validation and memory deallocation sequences. Organizations should also implement strict input validation for project files, particularly when processing files from untrusted sources, and consider implementing sandboxing or containment measures to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management practices and adherence to secure coding guidelines that prevent use-after-free conditions, which are commonly addressed through static analysis tools and code review processes that specifically target CWE-416 and related memory corruption vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of AUTOMGEN systems to potential attackers who might attempt to exploit this vulnerability through project file manipulation.