CVE-2017-1000176 in SWFTools
Summary
by MITRE
In SWFTools, a memcpy buffer overflow was found in swfc.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1000176 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within SWFTools, specifically affecting the swfc component used for processing flash files. This issue stems from improper memory management during the execution of memcpy operations, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted input can cause unauthorized memory access and potential code execution. The vulnerability exists within the software development toolkit designed for manipulating flash content, making it particularly concerning for developers and security professionals working with multimedia applications.
The technical flaw manifests when the swfc utility processes specially crafted SWF files containing malformed data structures that trigger a buffer overflow during memory copying operations. This condition occurs because the application fails to validate input lengths against allocated buffer sizes before executing memcpy functions, creating a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices that require proper bounds checking before memory operations. When exploited, this vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution, denial of service, or information disclosure depending on the execution context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation scenarios, as it affects the entire SWFTools ecosystem and potentially exposes systems that rely on this toolkit for flash content processing. Attackers can leverage this flaw by creating malicious SWF files that, when processed by swfc, trigger the buffer overflow and allow for remote code execution on systems running vulnerable versions of SWFTools. This creates significant risks for organizations that process untrusted flash content or use SWFTools in automated workflows, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web applications, email attachments, or file sharing systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique under T1059, specifically targeting command and scripting interpreters that could be leveraged through the compromised SWF processing pipeline.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-1000176 require immediate patching of affected SWFTools installations to address the buffer overflow condition in swfc component. Organizations should implement input validation measures that enforce strict bounds checking before memory operations, ensuring that all buffer sizes are properly validated against input data lengths. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running SWFTools, while monitoring for anomalous file processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper memory management, particularly in applications that handle untrusted input data through memory manipulation functions. Security teams should also establish regular vulnerability assessment procedures to identify and remediate similar buffer overflow conditions in other software components, as this represents a common class of vulnerability that affects numerous applications across different platforms and operating systems.