CVE-2017-11732 in Ming
Summary
by MITRE
A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability was found in the function dcputs (called from decompileIMPLEMENTS) 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 overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11732 resides within the Ming library version 0.4.8, specifically within the dcputs function located in util/decompile.c. This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that can be exploited to cause denial of service conditions when processing maliciously crafted input files. The vulnerability occurs during the decompilation process of certain file formats, particularly when the decompileIMPLEMENTS function invokes dcputs with insufficient buffer size validation. The flaw stems from improper memory management practices where the application fails to adequately check buffer boundaries before writing data to heap-allocated memory regions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a serious memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The attack vector requires an attacker to prepare a specially crafted file that triggers the vulnerable code path during the decompilation operation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where untrusted files are processed automatically.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic heap overflow condition where the dcputs function does not properly validate the length of input data before copying it into heap-allocated buffers. When decompileIMPLEMENTS processes certain malformed input structures, it passes data to dcputs without adequate size checking, leading to memory corruption in adjacent heap regions. This memory corruption can result in application crashes, segmentation faults, or potentially more severe consequences if the overflow allows for control flow manipulation. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service as it represents a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks, particularly when combined with other memory corruption vulnerabilities or when the affected application runs with elevated privileges. The issue is particularly concerning in automated processing environments where files are decompiled without user intervention, as attackers can craft malicious files that will trigger the vulnerability during routine operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability affects any system utilizing Ming 0.4.8 for file decompilation tasks, particularly in environments where third-party files are processed automatically such as content management systems, file analysis tools, or document processing applications. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to complete service disruption, requiring system administrators to restart affected services and potentially investigate security incidents. The vulnerability's detection and mitigation require careful monitoring of file processing activities and implementation of input validation measures. Organizations using the Ming library should prioritize patching to versions that address this heap overflow condition, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely through file upload mechanisms or via automated processing of user-provided content. Security teams should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual file processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for file decompilation operations to limit potential impact.
Recommended mitigations for CVE-2017-11732 include immediate upgrade to a patched version of the Ming library where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and memory boundary checking. System administrators should implement strict input validation for all files processed through the decompilation functions, ensuring that buffer sizes are properly calculated before data copying operations. The implementation of address space layout randomization ASLR and stack canaries can provide additional protection against exploitation attempts, though these measures are secondary to proper code fixes. Security configurations should include monitoring for unusual memory access patterns and automated file processing activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the scope of potential exploitation, particularly in environments where the vulnerable library is used for processing untrusted content. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for enterprise security posture management.