CVE-2012-6553 in Resource Hacker
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Resource Hacker 3.6.0.92 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a Portable Executable (PE) file with a resource section containing a string that has many tab or line feed characters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6553 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within Resource Hacker version 3.6.0.92, a widely used tool for examining and modifying windows executable files. This vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of resource sections within portable executable files, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges. The flaw exists in the software's resource parsing mechanism where it fails to properly validate string lengths within resource sections, particularly when encountering strings containing excessive tab or line feed characters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within Resource Hacker's resource section processing code. When the application encounters a PE file with a resource section containing strings that exceed predetermined buffer limits, the software's memory management routines fail to properly handle the overflow condition. This heap-based overflow occurs because the application allocates a fixed-size buffer to store resource section strings without adequate bounds checking, allowing maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory regions. The presence of numerous tab or line feed characters in the resource string serves as the trigger mechanism that pushes the buffer beyond its allocated capacity, creating exploitable memory corruption conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-6553 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that can be leveraged in various threat scenarios. Remote attackers can craft malicious PE files that, when opened by an unsuspecting user with Resource Hacker installed, will trigger the buffer overflow and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where users frequently open untrusted executable files, as it can be exploited through social engineering attacks or automated malware delivery mechanisms. The exploitability of this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack tree framework, where initial access through malicious file delivery leads to privilege escalation and system compromise.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of improper input validation that violates established security principles and aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability demonstrates how legacy applications that handle complex binary formats like PE files can contain dangerous memory handling patterns that persist across multiple versions. Organizations should prioritize immediate mitigation through patching Resource Hacker to version 3.6.0.93 or later, as this release includes proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should implement application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of Resource Hacker in enterprise environments, particularly where users may encounter untrusted executable content. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in binary analysis tools, as these applications often process untrusted input from users and require robust memory management to prevent exploitation.