CVE-2017-20226 in Mapscrn
Summary
by MITRE • 03/28/2026
Mapscrn 2.0.3 contains a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code by supplying an oversized input buffer. Attackers can craft a malicious buffer with junk data, return address, NOP instructions, and shellcode to overflow the stack and achieve code execution or denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-20226 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in Mapscrn version 2.0.3, a software component designed for screen capture and mapping functionalities. This flaw exists within the application's input handling mechanisms where insufficient bounds checking permits attackers to supply oversized data payloads that exceed the allocated stack buffer space. The vulnerability specifically affects local attackers who possess the ability to interact with the target system, making it particularly concerning for environments where user privileges are elevated or where the application runs with administrative rights.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the Mapscrn application's codebase, where a fixed-size buffer is allocated on the stack without adequate validation of input length before copying data into memory. When an attacker provides a malicious input exceeding the buffer capacity, the excess data overflows into adjacent stack memory locations, potentially corrupting the return address of the calling function and other critical stack variables. This overflow condition creates an exploitable scenario where attackers can manipulate the program's execution flow by carefully crafting input data that includes NOP sleds, return addresses, and shellcode to redirect program control to malicious code.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables local attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the Mapscrn application, potentially leading to complete system compromise if the application operates with elevated privileges. The attack vector requires local system access, making it less severe than remote exploitation vulnerabilities but still highly dangerous in environments where privilege escalation opportunities exist. The vulnerability can also be leveraged to cause denial of service conditions, where the application crashes or becomes unresponsive due to stack corruption, potentially disrupting legitimate user operations and system availability.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow weakness classification, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory allocations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique under the T1055 category, where adversaries manipulate program execution flow through memory corruption attacks. Mitigation strategies should include immediate application updates to patched versions, implementation of stack protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, and enforcement of input validation controls. Additionally, system administrators should consider privilege separation principles, ensuring that applications run with minimal required privileges, and implement monitoring solutions to detect suspicious input patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar memory corruption issues in software applications.