CVE-2013-3482 in ERDAS ER Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the rf_report_error function in ermapper_u.dll in Intergraph ERDAS ER Viewer before 13.0.1.1301 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a long string in an ERS file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3482 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the rf_report_error function of ermapper_u.dll component in Intergraph ERDAS ER Viewer software. This issue affects versions prior to 13.0.1.1301 and creates a significant security risk by allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or induce denial of service conditions through carefully crafted malicious input. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing ERS files that contain excessively long strings, which are then processed by the vulnerable function without proper bounds checking.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The rf_report_error function in ermapper_u.dll fails to validate the length of input strings before copying them into fixed-size stack buffers, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote threat actors. This particular implementation vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate memory management within the application's error reporting subsystem.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents substantial risk to organizations utilizing Intergraph ERDAS ER Viewer for geospatial data processing and analysis. Attackers can remotely compromise systems by crafting malicious ERS files containing oversized strings that trigger the buffer overflow during normal application operation. The impact extends beyond simple application crashes to full code execution capabilities, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. Organizations relying on this software for critical infrastructure analysis or mapping applications face elevated risk of unauthorized access and data compromise.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows typical attack patterns consistent with the attack technique described in ATT&CK framework under T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers leverage application flaws to execute malicious code remotely. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that ERS files are commonly shared in geospatial data exchange environments, making this vector of attack highly accessible. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and file validation measures to limit exposure while awaiting vendor patches.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of the vendor-provided patch version 13.0.1.1301 or later, which addresses the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should implement strict file validation policies for ERS file processing, particularly in environments where external file uploads or shared data exchanges occur. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file processing patterns, and application whitelisting approaches can help prevent execution of untrusted ERS files. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and memory safety practices in preventing remote code execution exploits, particularly in widely deployed software applications handling external data inputs.