CVE-2012-2420 in QuickBooks
Summary
by MITRE
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, might allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a URI with a % (percent) character as its (1) last or (2) second-to-last character, in situations where a certain "post-URL data" buffer contains a 0x0000 character but a buffer overflow does not occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2420 resides within the Intuit Help System Async Pluggable Protocol handlers implemented in HelpAsyncPluggableProtocol.dll component of QuickBooks versions 2009 through 2012. This flaw specifically manifests when the affected software operates in conjunction with Internet Explorer, creating a potential information disclosure risk that could be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, which occurs when the system attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The security implications are particularly concerning as they involve sensitive information exposure through malformed URI handling.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the improper handling of URI strings containing percent-encoded characters, specifically when a % character appears as either the last or second-to-last character in a URI. When the system processes these malformed URIs, it encounters a buffer that contains a 0x0000 character, which represents a null termination sequence in string operations. The vulnerability occurs in the context of "post-URL data" buffer processing where the system attempts to parse and handle the URI components without proper bounds checking. This particular scenario does not result in a traditional buffer overflow but instead creates an out-of-bounds memory access condition that can potentially expose sensitive data from adjacent memory locations. The flaw represents a classic case of improper input validation and insufficient boundary checking in protocol handler implementations.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2420 extends beyond simple information disclosure as it represents a potential attack vector that could be leveraged in conjunction with other exploitation techniques. Attackers could craft specially formatted URIs to trigger the vulnerable code path and potentially extract sensitive information from memory, including but not limited to authentication tokens, user credentials, or system configuration details. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where QuickBooks is widely deployed and may be exposed to untrusted network traffic. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely, making it a significant concern for organizations that have not applied the necessary security patches. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application layer protocol execution and T1068 for local privilege escalation through protocol handler manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2420 should focus on immediate patch application from Intuit, which would address the buffer handling logic in the HelpAsyncPluggableProtocol.dll component. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious URI patterns containing percent characters in the specified positions. Additionally, security configurations should include disabling unnecessary protocol handlers and implementing strict URI validation policies. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and bounds checking in protocol handlers, which should be enforced through secure coding practices and regular security code reviews. System administrators should also monitor for any suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to identify similar vulnerabilities in other software components.