CVE-2017-17849 in GetGo Download Manager
Summary
by MITRE
A buffer overflow vulnerability in GetGo Download Manager 5.3.0.2712 and earlier could allow remote HTTP servers to execute arbitrary code on NAS devices via a long response.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17849 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within GetGo Download Manager version 5.3.0.2712 and earlier installations. This issue specifically affects Network Attached Storage devices that utilize the GetGo download manager for handling HTTP content retrieval operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's HTTP response processing functionality, creating a scenario where malicious actors can craft specially formatted HTTP responses designed to exceed the allocated buffer space. The flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack, exploiting the lack of proper bounds checking during HTTP response parsing operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the GetGo Download Manager processes HTTP responses from remote servers without implementing sufficient buffer size validation. When an HTTP server sends a response containing an excessively long payload, the application's internal buffer handling routines fail to properly manage the overflow condition, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, specifically classified as a stack-based buffer overflow where the attacker can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control flow data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in NAS environments because these devices often run with elevated privileges and may serve as central points of access for network resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass complete system compromise of affected NAS devices. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain arbitrary code execution privileges on the target system, potentially allowing them to install malicious software, modify system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors for future access. The nature of NAS devices as network-accessible storage solutions makes them attractive targets for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to corporate or personal data repositories. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK tactics including execution through remote code execution capabilities and privilege escalation by leveraging the elevated permissions typically associated with NAS device operations. The impact is particularly severe because NAS devices often contain sensitive organizational data and may serve as entry points for broader network infiltration attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17849 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the buffer overflow condition within the GetGo Download Manager application. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of NAS devices to untrusted network segments, particularly by restricting direct HTTP access to these systems. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual HTTP response patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify potential buffer overflow attack signatures. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable GetGo Download Manager versions within their environments, and establish regular patch management procedures to ensure timely remediation of similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of application whitelisting policies can further reduce risk by restricting execution of unauthorized applications that might be leveraged in exploitation scenarios.