CVE-2014-9273 in Hivex
Summary
by MITRE
lib/handle.c in Hivex before 1.3.11 allows local users to execute arbitrary code and gain privileges via a small hive files, which triggers an out-of-bounds read or write.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9273 resides within the hivex library version 1.3.10 and earlier, specifically in the lib/handle.c file where a critical flaw exists in how the software processes registry hive files. This issue represents a classic buffer overread condition that can be exploited by local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, fundamentally compromising system security. The vulnerability manifests when the library encounters malformed or intentionally crafted small hive files that trigger an out-of-bounds memory access during processing operations.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the hive file parsing mechanism. When hivex processes registry hive files, it fails to properly validate the size and structure of input files, particularly those that are unusually small. This deficiency allows attackers to craft malicious hive files that cause the library to read or write beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially leading to memory corruption and code execution. The vulnerability operates at the memory management level, where insufficient boundary checks enable attackers to manipulate memory contents and redirect program execution flow.
This vulnerability presents significant operational impact for systems utilizing hivex for registry file processing, particularly in environments where registry hive files might be processed from untrusted sources. The local privilege escalation aspect means that an attacker with minimal system access could potentially gain administrative privileges, making this a critical concern for system integrity and security. The out-of-bounds read or write conditions can lead to unpredictable behavior including crashes, data corruption, or complete system compromise depending on the memory locations affected. Systems running applications that depend on hivex for registry processing are particularly vulnerable, including forensic analysis tools, system recovery utilities, and registry manipulation software.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are fundamental memory safety issues that have been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and T1547.001, which addresses 'Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder'. The exploitation pathway follows typical privilege escalation patterns where local code execution leads to elevated privileges, often through memory corruption techniques that leverage buffer overflow conditions. The most effective mitigation strategy involves upgrading to hivex version 1.3.11 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. Additionally, implementing strict input validation for hive files, deploying address space layout randomization, and using stack canaries can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider restricting access to hive file processing capabilities and implementing proper file integrity checks for registry files to prevent malicious input from reaching the vulnerable library components.