CVE-2011-2220 in File Reporter
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in NFREngine.exe in Novell File Reporter Engine before 1.0.2.53, as used in Novell File Reporter and other products, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted RECORD element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2220 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the NFREngine.exe component of Novell File Reporter Engine versions prior to 1.0.2.53. This vulnerability exists in the processing of RECORD elements within the file reporting infrastructure, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited remotely by malicious actors. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the engine's parsing logic, which fails to properly handle oversized or malformed RECORD data structures that are commonly used in file reporting operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic stack buffer overflow condition where an attacker can craft a specially formatted RECORD element that exceeds the allocated buffer space within the NFREngine.exe process memory stack. When the vulnerable application processes this crafted input without proper bounds verification, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially overwriting critical program execution data including return addresses, function pointers, and other control flow information. This memory corruption can be strategically manipulated to redirect program execution to attacker-controlled code, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the running process.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2220 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can be leveraged to establish persistent access to affected systems within Novell File Reporter environments and potentially other products utilizing the vulnerable engine. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to file reporting systems, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network environments where these systems are deployed. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access or local credentials to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where file reporting systems are commonly accessible from external networks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overflow into adjacent memory locations. This classification emphasizes the fundamental nature of the flaw as a memory safety issue that can be exploited through careful manipulation of input data to overwrite program control structures. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands within the context of the vulnerable application, potentially leading to full system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2220 should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Novell File Reporter installations to version 1.0.2.53 or later, as this represents the official vendor fix that addresses the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and bounds checking. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of file reporting systems to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous RECORD element processing patterns. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and disabling unnecessary file reporting services can reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts through signature-based detection of crafted RECORD elements that match known malicious patterns associated with this vulnerability.