CVE-2013-3483 in ERDAS ER Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow 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 crafted ERS file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3483 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the ermapper_u.dll component of Intergraph ERDAS ER Viewer version 13.0.0 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the software's handling of ERS file format parsing, specifically affecting the application's ability to process maliciously crafted input files. The flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking during the processing of structured data within the ERS file format, which is commonly used for storing geospatial data and mapping information in the geospatial industry.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it firmly within CWE-121, which categorizes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the program stack. When a maliciously crafted ERS file is processed by the vulnerable ER Viewer application, the buffer overflow occurs during the parsing routine that handles the file's metadata and coordinate data structures. This overflow can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack variables, providing attackers with the means to redirect execution flow and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates in a remote attack scenario, meaning that an attacker can exploit this flaw without requiring physical access to the target system, simply by enticing a user to open a specially crafted ERS file.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, presenting significant security risks to organizations relying on geospatial data processing systems. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow can result in complete system compromise through arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive geospatial data, or establish persistent access to networked systems. The denial of service aspect of this vulnerability also poses substantial operational risks, as it can disrupt critical mapping and geospatial analysis workflows that organizations depend upon for emergency response, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure management. The vulnerability affects industries including government agencies, telecommunications companies, utilities, and environmental organizations that rely heavily on ERDAS ER Viewer for their geospatial data analysis and visualization tasks, making the potential impact widespread across multiple sectors.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to ERDAS ER Viewer version 13.0.1.1301 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and file validation controls to prevent unauthorized ERS file execution, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted geospatial data. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in geospatial software applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through scripting and T1203 for exploitation of remote services. Additional protective measures should include regular security assessments of geospatial applications, implementation of application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious ERS file content patterns, as well as establishing incident response procedures specifically tailored to handle geospatial data security incidents.