CVE-2017-2777 in Argus
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable heap overflow vulnerability exists in the ipStringCreate function of Iceni Argus Version 6.6.05. A specially crafted pdf file can cause an integer overflow resulting in heap overflow. An attacker can send file to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2023
The heap overflow vulnerability identified in CVE-2017-2777 affects the Iceni Argus Version 6.6.05 software, specifically within the ipStringCreate function that handles PDF file processing. This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that can be exploited through maliciously crafted PDF documents, making it particularly dangerous in environments where PDF processing is common. The flaw stems from improper input validation and memory management within the PDF parsing component, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an integer overflow condition that occurs during the ipStringCreate function execution when processing specific PDF elements. When a malicious PDF file is processed, the integer overflow leads to incorrect memory allocation calculations, resulting in heap corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of improper integer handling in memory allocation functions where the system fails to properly validate input values before performing arithmetic operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it enables full remote code execution capabilities for attackers who can craft malicious PDF files. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive for advanced persistent threat actors and malware distributors who can leverage it to compromise systems without requiring user interaction beyond opening the malicious document. The attack surface is significant in enterprise environments where PDF processing is common, including email servers, document management systems, and web applications that handle PDF uploads. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) techniques, as it allows for remote code execution through PDF processing.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2777 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Iceni Argus versions, as the vendor has released updates to address the heap overflow condition. Organizations should implement defensive measures including PDF file scanning and validation before processing, network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for suspicious PDF-related activities. Additional protective controls may include deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious PDF content, implementing strict file type validation, and conducting regular security assessments of PDF processing components. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of proper input validation and integer overflow protection in software development practices, particularly in memory-intensive applications that process untrusted data. Organizations should consider implementing runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts.