CVE-2016-8384 in DMC HTMLFilter
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable heap corruption vulnerability exists in the DHFSummary functionality of AntennaHouse DMC HTMLFilter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8384 represents a critical heap corruption flaw within the AntennaHouse DMC HTMLFilter software's DHFSummary functionality. This issue arises from improper memory management practices during the processing of specific input data structures, creating a condition where attackers can manipulate heap memory layout through crafted inputs. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking and inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly handle malformed or excessively large data sequences. Security researchers have identified that when the DHFSummary component processes certain XML or HTML content containing maliciously constructed elements, it fails to perform adequate memory allocation checks before writing data to heap-allocated buffers. This fundamental flaw in memory handling creates opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent heap memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or application crashes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires understanding the underlying memory layout and heap management patterns used by the AntennaHouse DMC HTMLFilter application. The heap corruption occurs when the software attempts to process input data that exceeds expected buffer sizes, causing memory overflow conditions in heap-allocated structures. This type of vulnerability is classified as a heap-based buffer overflow according to the CWE taxonomy under CWE-122, which specifically addresses heap-based buffer overflow conditions. The flaw manifests when the application's DHFSummary functionality processes malformed content that triggers improper memory allocation behavior, allowing attackers to craft inputs that cause the heap to be corrupted through controlled memory writes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the memory management level, making it difficult to detect through standard input validation mechanisms and potentially allowing for sophisticated exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8384 extends beyond simple application instability to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations. When successfully exploited, this vulnerability can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the AntennaHouse DMC HTMLFilter process, potentially leading to complete system compromise if the application runs with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects organizations that utilize AntennaHouse DMC HTMLFilter for document processing, particularly those handling untrusted input from external sources or user-generated content. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, escalate privileges, or establish persistent backdoors within affected systems. The exploitation typically requires knowledge of the specific memory layout and may involve techniques such as heap spraying or return-oriented programming to achieve reliable code execution. Organizations using this software face significant risk during document processing workflows where input validation is insufficient.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8384 should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization procedures for all content processed by the AntennaHouse DMC HTMLFilter, particularly when handling external or user-provided data. The most effective immediate solution involves applying vendor-provided patches or updates that address the heap corruption issue through proper memory management and bounds checking implementations. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls and sandboxing mechanisms to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious commands through the compromised application. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on memory management practices should be implemented to prevent similar heap-based vulnerabilities in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.