CVE-2013-4979 in EPS Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the gldll32.dll module in EPS Viewer 3.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted EPS file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4979 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the gldll32.dll component of EPS Viewer version 3.2 and earlier. This flaw exists in the handling of Encapsulated PostScript file formats, which are commonly used for document exchange and printing operations. The buffer overflow occurs when the application processes maliciously crafted EPS files that contain oversized data structures or malformed content that exceeds the allocated memory buffer boundaries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the EPS Viewer's parsing routine for gldll32.dll module.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit the buffer overflow condition by crafting specially designed EPS files that trigger memory corruption during the rendering process. When the vulnerable application attempts to parse the malicious EPS file, the excessive data causes the buffer to overflow into adjacent memory regions, potentially overwriting critical program execution structures such as return addresses or function pointers. This memory corruption enables attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the EPS Viewer application, effectively providing a remote code execution capability. The flaw specifically manifests in the handling of image data and vector graphics within the EPS format, where insufficient bounds checking permits data to exceed allocated buffer space.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-4979 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise in vulnerable environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems running affected versions of EPS Viewer, potentially escalating privileges and establishing persistent access. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because EPS files are commonly shared through email attachments, web downloads, and document repositories, making the attack surface broad and accessible. Organizations utilizing EPS Viewer for document processing, printing, or image rendering operations face significant risk of compromise, especially when users open untrusted EPS files. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it particularly effective in phishing campaigns and targeted attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4979 should prioritize immediate software updates and patches from the vendor, as the vulnerability affects legacy versions of EPS Viewer that are no longer supported. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running vulnerable applications, while also deploying endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block malicious EPS file content. Input validation measures should be strengthened at multiple layers including network firewalls, email gateways, and file scanning systems to prevent malicious EPS files from reaching end-user systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and script interpreter, as attackers can execute arbitrary code through the buffer overflow exploit. System administrators should also consider disabling EPS file handling capabilities where possible and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted EPS viewers. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable software within the organization's infrastructure.