CVE-2017-11728 in Ming
Summary
by MITRE
A heap-based buffer over-read was found in the function OpCode (called from decompileSETMEMBER) in util/decompile.c in Ming 0.4.8, which allows attackers to cause a denial of service via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2022
The heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11728 resides within the Ming library version 0.4.8, specifically within the OpCode function located in util/decompile.c. This flaw manifests when the decompileSETMEMBER function invokes OpCode, creating a scenario where memory access extends beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the decompilation process that handles Microsoft Compound File Binary Format files. Such buffer over-read conditions typically occur when the application attempts to read memory locations that have not been properly allocated or validated, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior and system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of crafted files that trigger improper memory handling during the decompilation process. When the OpCode function processes certain input parameters, it fails to properly validate the size of data being read from memory, allowing an attacker to craft malicious input that causes the function to access memory beyond its intended boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 category for Out-of-Bounds Read, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue. The attack vector specifically targets the decompilation functionality of the Ming library, making it particularly dangerous for applications that process untrusted compound file formats.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends to systems that utilize the Ming library for processing Microsoft Office files or other compound file formats. An attacker can exploit this weakness by preparing a specially crafted file that, when processed by an application using the vulnerable Ming library, causes the application to read beyond allocated memory boundaries. This typically results in application crashes, denial of service conditions, and potentially system instability. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where automated file processing occurs, as it can be leveraged to create sustained denial of service attacks against services that rely on compound file format parsing. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through resource exhaustion, where the attacker consumes system resources through memory access violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11728 involve immediate application of the vendor-provided patch that addresses the buffer over-read condition in the OpCode function. System administrators should ensure that all applications utilizing the Ming library are updated to versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within applications that process compound file formats can help prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider deploying network segmentation and file validation controls to limit the potential impact of such attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of memory safety in library components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of third-party libraries used in enterprise applications. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar memory safety issues across the software ecosystem.