CVE-2011-3488 in MetaStock
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Equis MetaStock 11 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a malformed (1) mwc chart, (2) mws chart, (3) mwt template, or (4) mwl layout.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2025
The CVE-2011-3488 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Equis MetaStock versions 11 and earlier, presenting a significant remote code execution risk. This vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the software's handling of chart and template files, specifically affecting mwc chart files, mws chart files, mwt template files, and mwl layout files. The flaw occurs when the application processes malformed file structures that trigger memory deallocation followed by subsequent access to the freed memory locations, creating a predictable exploitation vector for remote attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which catalogs use-after-free conditions as a fundamental memory safety issue. When MetaStock processes the specially crafted malformed files, the application's memory management routines fail to properly validate file structures before accessing allocated memory regions. This allows attackers to manipulate the application's memory state by controlling the contents of the malformed files, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the running MetaStock process. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this flaw without requiring local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where trading data applications are commonly deployed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable complete system compromise and data exfiltration within financial trading environments. Financial institutions relying on MetaStock for technical analysis and trading decisions face significant risk from this vulnerability, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to manipulate trading data, access sensitive financial information, or disrupt trading operations. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed trading software platforms increases its potential attack surface, particularly in environments where multiple users may access shared trading workstations or where the software is integrated with other financial systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3488 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MetaStock versions, with organizations implementing network segmentation to limit access to trading applications and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. Security controls should include disabling the processing of untrusted chart and template files, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of trading software installations. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malicious file upload attempts and establishing incident response procedures specifically addressing trading application compromises. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter demonstrates the potential for attackers to leverage this initial compromise for further lateral movement within financial networks.