CVE-2017-14627 in LabelPrint
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflows in CyberLink LabelPrint 2.5 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the (1) author (inside the INFORMATION tag), (2) name (inside the INFORMATION tag), (3) artist (inside the TRACK tag), or (4) default (inside the TEXT tag) parameter in an lpp project file.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14627 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in CyberLink LabelPrint version 2.5 that exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through malformed project files. This vulnerability specifically targets the parsing of lpp project files which are used to store label design information including metadata and track details. The flaw manifests when the application processes the author parameter within the INFORMATION tag, the name parameter within the INFORMATION tag, the artist parameter within the TRACK tag, or the default parameter within the TEXT tag. These parameters are susceptible to buffer overflow conditions because the application fails to properly validate input lengths before copying data onto the stack, creating exploitable memory corruption scenarios. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms in the parsing routine that handles these specific parameters within the project file structure, allowing attackers to craft malicious lpp files that can trigger the overflow conditions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack-based buffer overflow attack pattern where attacker-controlled data exceeds the allocated buffer space, overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. When processing the vulnerable parameters, the application's input handling code does not perform proper length validation or boundary checks, enabling attackers to inject excessive data that overflows the stack buffer. The attacker can leverage this condition to overwrite the return address on the stack, effectively redirecting program execution to malicious code placed within the attacker-controlled input data. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in software security that occurs when data is written beyond the bounds of a fixed-length stack buffer. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that an attacker can deliver malicious lpp files through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may unknowingly open compromised project files.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14627 extends beyond simple code execution to potentially compromise entire systems through privilege escalation and persistent access mechanisms. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running LabelPrint, which could range from standard user permissions to elevated system privileges depending on the execution context. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious project file, making it particularly effective in social engineering campaigns where users might be tricked into opening seemingly legitimate label design files. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers could potentially use the code execution capability to deploy PowerShell-based payloads or establish persistence through command-line utilities. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used label design application increases the attack surface significantly, as it can be leveraged in targeted attacks against small businesses, educational institutions, or home users who rely on CyberLink products for their label creation needs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14627 should focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable software version, as CyberLink has released updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent users from opening project files from untrusted sources, including disabling automatic execution of files from external domains. Network-based protections such as intrusion prevention systems and web application firewalls should be configured to block lpp file transfers from suspicious sources. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of verifying file sources and avoiding opening project files from unknown or untrusted parties. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of LabelPrint to trusted environments and monitor for unusual file access patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and secure coding practices in preventing buffer overflow conditions, which should be integrated into software development lifecycle processes to prevent similar issues in future applications. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potential buffer overflow conditions in legacy applications and ensure that proper memory management practices are enforced throughout the software development process.