CVE-2012-2418 in QuickBooks
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the intu-help-qb (aka Intuit Help System Async Pluggable Protocol) handlers in HelpAsyncPluggableProtocol.dll in Intuit QuickBooks 2009 through 2012, when Internet Explorer is used, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a URI with a % (percent) character as its (1) last or (2) second-to-last character.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2418 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting Intuit QuickBooks versions 2009 through 2012 when operating in conjunction with Internet Explorer. This flaw exists within the HelpAsyncPluggableProtocol.dll component, specifically within the intu-help-qb handler responsible for processing asynchronous pluggable protocols. The vulnerability manifests when processing specially crafted URIs containing percent characters at specific positions, creating a scenario where memory corruption can occur due to improper bounds checking during string processing operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through precise manipulation of URI syntax where a percent character is positioned as either the last or second-to-last character in a malformed URI. This positioning triggers a buffer overflow condition within the heap memory management of the affected QuickBooks application, as the system fails to properly validate input length before copying data into fixed-size buffers. The flaw operates at the protocol handler level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal web browsing activities when QuickBooks is installed and configured to handle help system protocols.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to enterprise environments where QuickBooks is widely deployed, as it can be exploited remotely through malicious web content or phishing attacks. The potential impact includes both denial of service conditions where application memory becomes corrupted and system instability, as well as the possibility of arbitrary code execution. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems, potentially escalating privileges or establishing persistent backdoors through the execution of malicious code within the context of the QuickBooks process.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries exploit vulnerabilities in legitimate software applications. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that QuickBooks is commonly installed on business workstations and servers, making it an attractive target for adversaries seeking to compromise financial and business data systems. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and browser security controls to limit exposure, while also ensuring timely patch deployment to address this memory corruption vulnerability. The flaw underscores the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in protocol handlers, particularly those that interface with web browsers and external content processing systems.