CVE-2013-5359 in Picasa
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Picasa3.exe in Google Picasa before 3.9.0 Build 137.69 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted RAW file, as demonstrated using a KDC file with a certain size.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5359 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in Google Picasa's Picasa3.exe executable prior to version 3.9.0 Build 137.69. This vulnerability resides within the image processing component of the software, specifically when handling RAW image files, making it particularly dangerous for users who frequently process digital photographs from various camera models. The flaw manifests when the application encounters a specially crafted KDC file, which is a RAW format used by Kodak cameras, with a particular size configuration that triggers the buffer overflow condition.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack-based buffer overflow pattern where insufficient input validation allows an attacker to write beyond the allocated memory buffer on the stack. When Picasa3.exe processes the malicious KDC file, the application fails to properly validate the file size and structure, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite return addresses and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog and represents a fundamental flaw in memory management practices. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges beyond normal user access, making it an attractive target for remote exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the victim's system. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent access through the compromised Picasa application. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers could deliver malicious KDC files through various channels including email attachments, compromised websites, or file sharing platforms without requiring physical access to the target system. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as the initial exploitation leads to potential privilege escalation within the user's session. The widespread use of Picasa for photo management across various operating systems amplifies the potential attack surface, as the vulnerability affects users running different versions of Windows platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-5359 primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates, as Google released version 3.9.0 Build 137.69 to address this vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems running affected versions of Picasa are updated promptly. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing file type restrictions and content filtering to prevent the download or execution of potentially malicious RAW files, particularly those with unusual sizes or from untrusted sources. Security awareness training for users about the risks of opening unknown image files and the importance of keeping software up to date can provide additional defense layers. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in multimedia processing applications, particularly those handling binary formats that may contain embedded metadata or structured data that could be manipulated to trigger buffer overflows. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted applications and maintain regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other image processing and multimedia applications within their environments.