CVE-2016-4404 in KeyView
Summary
by MITRE
A security vulnerability was identified in the Filter SDK component of HP KeyView earlier than v11.2. The vulnerability could be exploited remotely to allow code execution via a memory allocation issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4404 affects the Filter SDK component of HP KeyView software versions prior to v11.2, representing a critical memory corruption flaw that enables remote code execution. This vulnerability resides within the software's handling of memory allocation operations, specifically when processing certain data formats that trigger improper memory management behaviors. The Filter SDK serves as a component for processing various document formats, making it a potential attack vector for adversaries seeking to compromise systems through maliciously crafted files or data streams.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory allocation handling within the HP KeyView Filter SDK, which creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures through carefully crafted input data. This memory management flaw allows for arbitrary code execution when the vulnerable component processes malicious inputs, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can trigger the memory corruption without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the software may be exposed to untrusted data sources.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2016-4404 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential full system compromise and persistent access. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to systems running affected versions of HP KeyView, potentially leading to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or use as a foothold for further network infiltration. The vulnerability's presence in a document processing SDK means that it could be triggered through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file transfers containing maliciously formatted content. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where document processing is common and where the software may be exposed to untrusted content from external sources.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to HP KeyView v11.2 or later versions that contain patches addressing this memory allocation vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit exposure of systems running vulnerable versions, while monitoring for suspicious file processing activities may aid in detecting potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a typical example of how improper memory management in software components can create remote code execution vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving exploitation of software vulnerabilities and privilege escalation, with potential use in initial access and persistence phases of cyber attacks.