CVE-2017-14731 in LibOFX
Summary
by MITRE
ofx_proc_file in ofx_preproc.cpp in LibOFX 0.9.12 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read and application crash) via a crafted file, as demonstrated by an ofxdump call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14731 resides within the LibOFX library version 0.9.12, specifically in the ofx_proc_file function located in the ofx_preproc.cpp source file. This issue represents a heap-based buffer over-read condition that occurs when processing malformed OFX (Open Financial Exchange) files, which are commonly used for financial data exchange between financial institutions and software applications. The vulnerability manifests when the library attempts to parse crafted input files that contain malformed data structures, leading to memory access violations that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and buffer management within the ofx_proc_file function, which processes OFX documents without proper bounds checking on user-supplied data. When a maliciously crafted OFX file is processed by the ofxdump utility or any application utilizing LibOFX, the function reads beyond allocated memory boundaries, causing heap corruption and subsequent application crashes. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125: "Out-of-bounds Read" and represents a classic example of improper input validation that can be leveraged for denial of service attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely through any application that accepts OFX file inputs, making it a significant threat to financial software systems that rely on this library for processing financial data.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14731 extends beyond simple application crashes, as it can be exploited to disrupt financial services and potentially compromise the availability of critical systems. Financial institutions and software vendors that utilize LibOFX for processing electronic financial documents become vulnerable to denial of service attacks that can render their systems inoperable. The vulnerability can be particularly damaging in automated financial processing environments where continuous availability is critical, as attackers could repeatedly exploit this flaw to maintain service disruption. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004: "Endpoint Denial of Service" and can be classified as a remote code execution vector when combined with other exploitation techniques, though the current implementation only allows for denial of service.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14731 should focus on immediate patching of the LibOFX library to version 0.9.13 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer over-read vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation measures that filter or reject malformed OFX files before processing, and consider deploying network segmentation to limit exposure of systems that process financial data. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual patterns of service disruption that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management and input validation in financial software libraries, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates in financial data processing systems. Security teams should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can identify systems running vulnerable versions of LibOFX and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly.