CVE-2016-2344 in Backburner
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in manager.exe in Backburner Manager in Autodesk Backburner 2016 2016.0.0.2150 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (daemon crash) via a crafted command. NOTE: this is only a vulnerability in environments in which the administrator has not followed documentation that outlines the security risks of operating Backburner on untrusted networks.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2344 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the manager.exe component of Autodesk Backburner 2016 version 2016.0.0.2150 and earlier releases. This vulnerability exists within the Backburner Manager daemon that handles distributed rendering tasks in Autodesk's 3D animation and rendering software suite. The flaw specifically manifests when the manager.exe process processes crafted commands that exceed the allocated stack buffer space, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access or disrupt service availability.
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 on the program stack. The flaw occurs during command processing within the Backburner Manager daemon, where input validation mechanisms fail to properly constrain the length of received commands before copying them into fixed-size stack buffers. This allows an attacker to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data structures, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution or causing the daemon to crash through controlled memory corruption.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security implications for organizations utilizing Autodesk Backburner in networked environments. The attack vector requires remote exploitation, meaning attackers can leverage this flaw without requiring physical access to the target system. The impact ranges from complete system compromise through arbitrary code execution to denial of service conditions that can disrupt rendering workflows and production schedules. Given that Backburner is commonly used in professional animation and visual effects studios, the potential for data loss, intellectual property exposure, and production downtime makes this vulnerability particularly concerning.
The vulnerability's exploitation requires an environment where the administrator has not properly configured security measures as outlined in Autodesk's documentation. This suggests that the risk is mitigated through proper network segmentation and security configuration practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1068 for local privilege escalation. Organizations should consider implementing network-level protections such as firewalls, network segmentation, and access controls to limit exposure to this vulnerability. Additionally, the remediation approach should include updating to the latest version of Autodesk Backburner where the buffer overflow has been patched, along with proper security configuration following Autodesk's recommended practices for network deployment.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend to the security practices of organizations using distributed rendering systems, highlighting the importance of proper security hardening and network configuration. This flaw demonstrates how seemingly isolated components within complex software suites can create significant security risks when deployed in unsecured network environments. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates, proper configuration management, and adherence to security best practices when deploying enterprise software solutions. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes that include regular assessment of third-party software security posture and proper network segmentation to minimize exposure to such remote exploitation opportunities.