CVE-2013-7088 in ClamAV
Summary
by MITRE
ClamAV before 0.97.7 has buffer overflow in the libclamav component
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7088 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the ClamAV antivirus software suite, specifically affecting versions prior to 0.97.7. This flaw exists within the libclamav component, which serves as the core library responsible for virus signature detection and file scanning operations. The buffer overflow occurs when the software processes certain malformed or specially crafted file formats that exceed predetermined memory allocation limits, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution and system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the libclamav library. When ClamAV encounters maliciously formatted files during scanning operations, the software fails to properly bounds-check memory allocations, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This condition typically manifests when processing compressed archives, executable files, or other file types that contain oversized data structures or malformed headers. The flaw operates at the memory management level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through legitimate file scanning operations without requiring special privileges or elevated access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on ClamAV for endpoint protection and email filtering. Attackers can leverage this buffer overflow to execute malicious code on systems running vulnerable versions of ClamAV, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in email security contexts where ClamAV processes attachments from untrusted sources, as a single malicious email could trigger the exploit. Network administrators face the challenge of identifying and patching affected systems while maintaining continuous protection against active threats, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including file transfers, web downloads, and network scanning activities.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised networks. According to the ATT&CK framework, this flaw aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms, as exploited systems can be used to establish footholds for further attacks. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching to version 0.97.7 or later, as this release includes memory boundary checks and improved input validation that prevent the buffer overflow condition. Additional mitigations include implementing network segmentation, deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and maintaining regular security assessments to identify other potential vulnerabilities in antivirus and security infrastructure. The CWE database categorizes this issue under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, emphasizing the fundamental memory safety problems that enable such exploitation scenarios.