CVE-2012-4527 in mcrypt
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in mcrypt 2.6.8 and earlier allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long file name. NOTE: it is not clear whether this is a vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4527 represents a stack-based buffer overflow flaw present in mcrypt version 2.6.8 and earlier implementations. This vulnerability resides within the cryptographic library that was widely used for encryption operations in various software applications and systems. The mcrypt library served as a fundamental component for developers seeking to implement encryption capabilities within their applications, making this flaw potentially impactful across numerous software ecosystems. The buffer overflow occurs when the library processes file names that exceed predetermined stack buffer limits, creating a condition where adjacent memory locations can be overwritten through malicious input manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a user-assisted remote attack scenario where an attacker can craft a specially designed file name that exceeds the allocated stack buffer space. This type of buffer overflow falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw manifests when the mcrypt library attempts to process a file name that is excessively long, causing the stack buffer to overflow and potentially corrupting the program's execution flow. The vulnerability's classification as potentially allowing arbitrary code execution indicates that successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain control over the affected system's execution context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully. The remote attack vector means that adversaries can trigger the vulnerability without requiring local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. The crash conditions resulting from the buffer overflow can be leveraged by attackers to cause system instability or even facilitate more sophisticated exploitation techniques. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and boundary checking in cryptographic libraries, as these components often handle sensitive data and operate with elevated privileges within system environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4527 should focus on immediate version upgrades to mcrypt 2.6.9 or later, which contain patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing affected mcrypt versions and implement remediation procedures accordingly. The vulnerability's potential for arbitrary code execution necessitates additional security controls including input validation mechanisms, stack protection features, and runtime application protection measures. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential exploitation opportunities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation may involve executing malicious code through compromised cryptographic processes. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security audits of cryptographic libraries to prevent similar issues in future implementations.