CVE-2011-5059 in Finaldraft
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Final Draft 8 before 8.02 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted SmartType element, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-5002. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5059 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in Final Draft 8 software versions prior to 8.02. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of SmartType elements within the document processing pipeline, creating a remote code execution vector that could be exploited by malicious actors without requiring local system access. The flaw operates through the manipulation of crafted SmartType elements that are processed during document parsing, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through network-based attacks or malicious document delivery mechanisms. Unlike similar vulnerabilities such as CVE-2011-5002 which affects different components of the same software suite, this particular vulnerability demonstrates the complexity of software security where multiple distinct code paths can contain separate exploitable conditions within the same application ecosystem. The stack-based nature of the buffer overflow indicates that the vulnerability occurs when the program attempts to write data beyond the allocated stack memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper validation and handling of user-supplied data within the SmartType element processing subsystem. When a maliciously crafted SmartType element is encountered during document parsing, the software fails to properly bounds-check the input data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This allows an attacker to overflow the buffer and overwrite critical program execution metadata, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application process. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits memory corruption. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to users who may unknowingly open malicious documents, as the attack can be executed remotely without requiring any special privileges or local system access. The attack vector typically involves delivering a specially crafted document containing the malicious SmartType element through email attachments, web downloads, or other document sharing mechanisms.
The impact of CVE-2011-5059 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and persistent access to affected environments. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, or establish command and control channels, particularly in environments where Final Draft is used for document creation and collaboration. The vulnerability's remote exploitability makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where document sharing is common, as a single compromised document could potentially affect multiple users across a network. Organizations utilizing Final Draft 8 before version 8.02 should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments, as it could be exploited as part of broader attack campaigns targeting creative professionals, legal teams, or other user groups who rely on document processing applications. The vulnerability's classification places it within the ATT&CK framework under the technique of "Exploitation for Client Execution" which describes how adversaries can use software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems, making it a critical concern for security teams implementing defensive measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5059 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Final Draft installations to version 8.02 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the SmartType element processing vulnerability. Organizations should implement network-based restrictions on document file types and establish strict validation procedures for incoming documents, particularly those containing embedded elements that could trigger the vulnerable code paths. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and endpoint detection systems, focusing on unusual document processing activities or memory corruption patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening documents from untrusted sources remains critical, as social engineering components often accompany such exploits. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date software applications and the necessity of comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both known and emerging threats in document processing applications.