CVE-2015-3450 in libaxl
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in libaxl 0.6.9 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) or execute arbitrary code via a crafted XML document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3450 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the libaxl library version 0.6.9 which serves as a foundational component for XML processing in numerous applications. This flaw exists in the library's handling of malformed XML documents, specifically when parsing structured data that exceeds allocated memory boundaries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the XML parser implementation, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory regions. The affected library is commonly integrated into various software systems that rely on XML data exchange, making the potential attack surface extensive across multiple application domains.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted XML document is processed by software utilizing libaxl 0.6.9. The buffer overflow manifests during the parsing phase when the library attempts to allocate memory for XML elements that exceed the expected size parameters. This memory corruption can result in unpredictable program behavior, including application crashes, memory corruption, or potentially full code execution. The heap-based nature of the vulnerability means that the overflow affects the program's dynamic memory allocation pool, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate memory pointers or overwrite critical program structures. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to memory safety issues.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3450 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities that can compromise entire systems. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects a wide range of applications including web servers, content management systems, and enterprise software that utilize XML processing capabilities. Organizations relying on affected software may experience service disruptions, data breaches, or unauthorized access to sensitive systems. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal prerequisites since it can be triggered through standard XML document processing, making it particularly dangerous in environments where XML data is frequently processed from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3450 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of libaxl that resolves the buffer overflow condition through proper memory bounds checking and input validation. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing the affected library and implement patch management procedures to ensure timely updates. Additional defensive measures include implementing XML schema validation, restricting XML document sizes, and deploying application-level firewalls or intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious XML content. From an operational security perspective, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party libraries and implementing proper software supply chain security practices. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1203 technique for exploitation of remote services, highlighting the need for robust network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts.