CVE-2011-3494 in eSignal
Summary
by MITRE
WinSig.exe in eSignal 10.6.2425 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via (1) a long StyleTemplate element in a QUO, SUM or POR file, which triggers a stack-based buffer overflow, or (2) a long Font->FaceName field (aka FaceName element), which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3494 affects WinSig.exe component within eSignal version 10.6.2425 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk that enables remote attackers to compromise system integrity through buffer overflow exploitation. This flaw exists within the parsing mechanism of QUO, SUM, and POR file formats, which are commonly used in financial market data applications. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the WinSig.exe application, creating exploitable conditions that can be triggered through maliciously crafted file content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through two distinct buffer overflow vectors that leverage different memory allocation strategies. The first vector involves a stack-based buffer overflow triggered by an excessively long StyleTemplate element within QUO, SUM, or POR files, while the second vector utilizes a heap-based buffer overflow through manipulation of the Font->FaceName field or FaceName element. These buffer overflows occur because the application fails to properly validate input lengths before copying data into fixed-size memory buffers, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious payloads. The stack-based overflow typically results in immediate application termination, while the heap-based overflow can potentially allow for more sophisticated exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as the heap-based buffer overflow specifically presents possibilities for arbitrary code execution, making it particularly dangerous for systems that process financial data through eSignal applications. Attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to crash applications, potentially causing data loss or system instability in financial trading environments where eSignal is commonly deployed. The remote nature of exploitation means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, enabling widespread compromise through malicious file distribution or web-based attacks. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-121, Stack-based Buffer Overflow, and CWE-122, Heap-based Buffer Overflow, both of which are classified as high-risk conditions in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of eSignal applications to version 10.6.2426 or later, which contains the necessary memory validation fixes. Network administrators should implement strict file validation policies for QUO, SUM, and POR files, particularly in environments where these files are processed automatically. The implementation of application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques can provide additional defense layers against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual file processing patterns or application crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify malicious file content patterns associated with this specific vulnerability, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Credential Access and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, which may be relevant during exploitation phases. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in other legacy financial applications that may be at risk.