CVE-2016-8385 in Argus
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable uninitialized variable vulnerability which leads to a stack-based buffer overflow exists in Iceni Argus. When it attempts to convert a malformed PDF to XML a stack variable will be left uninitialized which will later be used to fetch a length that is used in a copy operation. In most cases this will allow an aggressor to write outside the bounds of a stack buffer which is used to contain colors. This can lead to code execution under the context of the account running the tool.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8385 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Iceni Argus software, specifically during PDF to XML conversion processes. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of uninitialized variables within the application's memory management routines, creating a pathway for remote code execution. The flaw manifests when the application processes malformed PDF files, triggering a cascade of memory operations that exploit the uninitialized stack variable to manipulate buffer boundaries.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the uninitialized stack variable being used to determine a copy operation length, which subsequently leads to writing beyond the allocated stack buffer boundaries. The buffer in question is specifically designed to contain color information, making the overflow particularly dangerous as it can overwrite adjacent memory structures including return addresses and control data. This uninitialized variable condition directly maps to CWE-457, which defines the weakness of using uninitialized variables, and the vulnerability demonstrates how such conditions can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires sending a specially crafted PDF file to the vulnerable application, which then processes the malformed input through its PDF conversion engine.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code under the privileges of the user account running the Iceni Argus application. This represents a significant escalation from a local privilege escalation scenario to a potential remote code execution threat, particularly when the application runs with elevated privileges or is accessible over network interfaces. The vulnerability affects the application's stability and security posture, potentially allowing attackers to gain persistent access to systems where the software is deployed. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving memory corruption and code execution, specifically targeting the execution phase of an attack chain.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8385 should prioritize immediate software updates from Iceni to address the uninitialized variable handling and buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while also considering input validation and sanitization measures for PDF processing. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory initialization and bounds checking in preventing stack-based buffer overflows, making code review practices and static analysis tools essential for identifying similar issues. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious PDF processing activities and implementing application whitelisting can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that all dependencies and components are updated to mitigate similar vulnerabilities in the software supply chain.