CVE-2016-8335 in Argus
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable stack based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the ipNameAdd functionality of Iceni Argus Version 6.6.04 (Sep 7 2012) NK - Linux x64 and Version 6.6.04 (Nov 14 2014) NK - Windows x64. A specially crafted pdf file can cause a buffer overflow resulting in arbitrary code execution. An attacker can send/provide malicious pdf file to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2022
The CVE-2016-8335 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Iceni Argus document processing software, specifically affecting versions 6.6.04 released on September 7 2012 for Linux x64 and November 14 2014 for Windows x64 platforms. This vulnerability resides in the ipNameAdd functionality which handles name processing operations during pdf document parsing. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking when processing maliciously crafted pdf files, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the software attempts to store user-supplied data in a fixed-size buffer without proper size verification, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow vulnerability follows established patterns documented in the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) catalog under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which classifies this as a fundamental memory safety issue where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack data. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript and T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code through crafted pdf files that trigger the vulnerable parsing functionality. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that attackers can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data structures, potentially allowing complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges since it occurs within the application's own memory space during normal pdf processing operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8335 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential privilege escalation and persistent system compromise. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, typically resulting in full system control. The vulnerability affects both Linux and Windows x64 platforms, indicating a widespread impact across operating systems and suggesting that the underlying flaw exists in the core processing libraries rather than platform-specific code. Organizations using Iceni Argus for pdf document processing face significant risk, as the vulnerability can be triggered through simple file delivery mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous in email-based attack scenarios or web-based file sharing environments. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require complex attack chains, as it can be triggered by merely opening a maliciously crafted pdf file through the vulnerable software.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8335 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Iceni Argus versions, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement strict file validation and sanitization policies, particularly for pdf files processed through the vulnerable application. Network-based mitigations include implementing content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious pdf files before they reach the vulnerable application. The security community should consider implementing runtime protection measures such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention techniques to reduce the exploitability of similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against memory corruption exploits that leverage stack-based buffer overflows.