CVE-2012-6558 in PE Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in HeavenTools PE Explorer 1.99 R6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the size value for a string in the resource section of a Portable Executable (PE) file.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6558 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in HeavenTools PE Explorer version 1.99 R6. This security weakness resides within the application's handling of Portable Executable file structures, specifically targeting the resource section processing functionality. The vulnerability manifests when the application parses string data within PE file resources, where an attacker can manipulate the size parameter to trigger unauthorized memory access patterns. This particular flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which classifies heap-based buffer overflows as a fundamental memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the parsing of PE file resource sections where the application fails to properly validate the size parameter associated with string data structures. When an attacker crafts a malicious PE file with an oversized size value for a resource string, the application's memory allocation routine allocates insufficient heap space to accommodate the specified data length. This inadequate memory boundary checking creates an exploitable condition where subsequent memory writes can overwrite adjacent heap memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program data structures or injecting malicious code payloads. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds writes that occur when a program writes to memory beyond the bounds of a buffer, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to systems running HeavenTools PE Explorer, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted PE files from external sources. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting specially crafted PE files that, when opened by the vulnerable application, trigger the buffer overflow condition and enable remote code execution. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates through normal application usage patterns, requiring no specialized privileges or complex exploitation techniques beyond creating a malicious PE file. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers the execution of malicious code through legitimate system processes, as the exploit can be delivered through standard PE file handling operations.
The exploitation of CVE-2012-6558 requires minimal attacker sophistication and can be executed through automated tooling, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where PE file analysis tools are commonly used. Organizations utilizing HeavenTools PE Explorer should consider immediate mitigation strategies including application whitelisting, network segmentation, and comprehensive patch management procedures. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation in file parsing applications, particularly those handling binary formats like PE files where malformed data can lead to critical security issues. Security practitioners should implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all PE file analysis tools are regularly updated to address known memory safety vulnerabilities. The flaw demonstrates the necessity of robust memory safety practices in applications that process untrusted binary data, emphasizing that even seemingly benign file analysis tools can become attack vectors when memory safety is not properly enforced.