CVE-2017-11734 in Ming
Summary
by MITRE
A heap-based buffer over-read was found in the function decompileCALLFUNCTION 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 vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11734 represents a critical heap-based buffer over-read condition within the Ming library version 0.4.8. This flaw exists in the decompileCALLFUNCTION function located in util/decompile.c, where improper input validation leads to memory access violations that can be exploited by malicious actors. The issue stems from insufficient bounds checking during the decompilation process of certain file formats, particularly those involving call function operations. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes specially crafted input files that trigger the buffer over-read condition, potentially leading to application instability and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions in software systems. The flaw occurs during the memory management phase of the decompilation process where the function attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged for denial of service attacks, where attackers craft malicious files that, when processed by the vulnerable application, cause the program to crash or behave unpredictably. The heap-based nature of the over-read indicates that the memory corruption occurs in the heap memory region, making it more challenging to detect and exploit compared to stack-based buffer overflows.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems that rely on the Ming library for processing various file formats, particularly in environments where untrusted input is processed. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks depending on the execution context of the vulnerable application. Attackers can leverage this flaw by preparing specially crafted files that, when opened or processed by applications using the vulnerable Ming library, trigger the buffer over-read condition. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely, making it particularly attractive for attackers targeting systems that handle file processing operations.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11734 should focus on immediate remediation through library updates, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent versions of the Ming library. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures and employ memory safety techniques such as address sanitizers and bounds checking mechanisms. Additionally, deployment of intrusion detection systems that monitor for suspicious file processing activities can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the execution of malicious code through legitimate system processes, and T1499.004, related to the exploitation of vulnerabilities for denial of service purposes. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify systems running affected versions of the library, with priority given to critical infrastructure and applications handling untrusted file inputs.