CVE-2016-1243 in unADF
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the extractTree function in unADF allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long pathname.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1243 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the unADF utility, specifically within the extractTree function. This vulnerability resides in the handling of archive extraction processes where the software fails to properly validate the length of pathnames during decompression operations. The flaw manifests when the application processes archive files containing excessively long pathname entries that exceed the allocated buffer space on the stack. Such conditions create an exploitable condition where maliciously crafted archive files can trigger memory corruption, potentially allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates within a decompression utility that may be invoked by various network services or automated processes, expanding the potential attack surface significantly.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The extractTree function demonstrates inadequate input validation mechanisms specifically for pathname length parameters, failing to implement proper bounds checking or length limitations before copying data into fixed-size stack buffers. This flaw operates under the principle that the application does not perform adequate sanitization of user-supplied data during archive processing, creating a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate the program execution flow through controlled buffer overflows. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage network-based delivery mechanisms to trigger the condition without requiring local access to the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1243 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems processing affected archive files. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability allows for privilege escalation and potential system compromise, particularly in environments where unADF is used for automated processing of user-uploaded or externally sourced archive files. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious archive files containing pathnames that exceed the buffer capacity, causing the stack to overflow and potentially redirecting program execution to attacker-controlled code. This vulnerability is especially dangerous in web applications or services that accept file uploads, as it can enable attackers to execute malicious payloads remotely through the processing of compressed archive content. The exploitation may result in complete system compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor access, depending on the target environment and privilege levels of the affected application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1243 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems and implementation of input validation controls. Organizations must prioritize updating their unADF implementations to versions that include proper bounds checking and length validation for pathname entries. Additionally, defensive measures should include implementing strict limits on pathname lengths during archive processing, employing stack protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, and utilizing address space layout randomization to complicate exploitation attempts. Network-based mitigations should involve filtering archive file types at network boundaries and implementing proper access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution highlights the importance of monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns and implementing comprehensive logging to detect potential exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their infrastructure.