CVE-2017-15048 in Zoom
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the ZoomLauncher binary in the Zoom client for Linux before 2.0.115900.1201 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by leveraging the zoommtg:// scheme handler.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15048 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Zoom client for Linux platform. This issue affects versions prior to 2.0.115900.1201 and specifically targets the ZoomLauncher binary component that handles the zoommtg:// URI scheme. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation when processing maliciously crafted URLs that utilize the zoommtg:// protocol handler, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic stack overflow condition where attacker-controlled data exceeds the bounds of a fixed-size buffer allocated on the stack, potentially allowing adversaries to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the Linux desktop environment's handling of custom URI schemes through the zoommtg:// protocol. When a user clicks on a maliciously crafted zoommtg:// URL, the Zoom client's launcher component processes the input without adequate bounds checking, leading to a buffer overflow condition. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized as a fundamental memory safety issue that has been consistently identified as one of the most prevalent classes of software vulnerabilities in cybersecurity assessments. The flaw operates through the standard desktop integration mechanisms that allow web browsers and other applications to invoke desktop applications through URI handlers, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter malicious links in emails, websites, or other digital communications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to completely compromise user systems running vulnerable versions of the Zoom client. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The remote nature of the attack vector means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users might inadvertently click on malicious links in phishing campaigns or compromised websites. This vulnerability specifically aligns with ATT&CK technique T1193 for Spearphishing via URI Scheme and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, demonstrating how the flaw can be leveraged through multiple attack pathways.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15048 should prioritize immediate patching of the Zoom client to version 2.0.115900.1201 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to address the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should also implement network-level controls to monitor and restrict access to potentially malicious zoommtg:// URLs, particularly in enterprise environments where user behavior cannot be fully controlled. Additional protective measures include disabling or restricting the zoommtg:// URI scheme handler when possible, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting user awareness training to recognize suspicious links and email attachments. Organizations should also consider deploying endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous behavior patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts, providing an additional layer of defense against this and similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include verification that the patched version properly handles all input parameters and that no residual buffer overflow conditions exist in related components of the Zoom client application suite.