CVE-2015-1171 in GSM SIM Utility
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in GSM SIM Utility (aka SIM Card Editor) 6.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long entry in a .sms file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1171 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the GSM SIM Utility application version 6.6, commonly known as SIM Card Editor. This software component is designed for managing and editing data stored on GSM SIM cards, making it a specialized tool used by telecommunications professionals and system administrators. The buffer overflow occurs specifically when processing malformed .sms files, which are standard text-based files containing Short Message Service data that can be transferred between mobile devices and computer systems. The flaw exists in the application's handling of user-supplied data during file parsing operations, creating a potential pathway for malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the SIM utility's file processing routines. When the application encounters a .sms file containing an excessively long entry, the parsing function fails to properly bounds-check the data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic stack overflow condition allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses and function pointers, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the running process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through the simple act of opening a maliciously crafted .sms file, requiring no special privileges or complex exploitation techniques.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations that rely on GSM SIM utility tools for network management, device provisioning, or mobile service administration. Attackers could exploit this flaw by distributing malicious .sms files through various vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms, potentially compromising systems that automatically process or display these files. The remote execution capability means that even unsuspecting users could inadvertently trigger the exploit, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such utilities might be used for routine SIM card management tasks. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise to potential network-wide consequences, as compromised systems could be used as launch points for further attacks or to gain unauthorized access to sensitive telecommunications infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves updating to the latest version of the GSM SIM Utility that contains patched buffer overflow protections, as the vendor likely released a security update addressing this specific flaw. Additionally, administrators should implement strict file validation procedures for all .sms files processed by the utility, including size limits and content filtering to prevent oversized entries from being parsed. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help contain potential compromise, while regular security audits of telecommunications management tools should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other legacy systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for executing malicious code through application interfaces, highlighting the need for comprehensive application security testing and input validation controls.
This vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges associated with legacy telecommunications software and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices in specialized tools. The attack surface created by such applications often remains under-protected compared to mainstream software, making them attractive targets for adversaries seeking to exploit less scrutinized components of network infrastructure. Security teams should prioritize vulnerability assessments of all specialized telecommunications utilities and implement automated monitoring for suspicious file processing activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. The incident underscores the critical need for robust input validation and memory safety practices in applications handling user-supplied data, particularly in mission-critical telecommunications environments where system compromise could result in widespread service disruption or data breaches.