CVE-2017-5216 in Remote Control
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Netop Remote Control versions 11.53, 12.21 and prior. The affected module in the Guest client is the "Import to Phonebook" option. When a specially designed malicious file containing special characters is loaded, the overflow occurs. 12.51 is the fixed version. The Support case ref is 00109744.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5216 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Netop Remote Control software versions 11.53, 12.21, and prior releases. This security weakness specifically affects the Guest client component of the application, particularly the "Import to Phonebook" functionality that processes external data files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the software's handling of user-supplied data, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through malicious file manipulation. The affected version range indicates this flaw was present across multiple releases, suggesting a prolonged period during which systems remained vulnerable to exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when a specially crafted malicious file containing special characters is processed through the "Import to Phonebook" option. The flaw manifests as a result of the application's failure to properly validate the length and content of data being imported, allowing an attacker to supply input that exceeds the allocated buffer space on the stack. This overflow condition can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, and other critical control data within the program's execution context. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires only the simple act of loading a malicious file, making it accessible to attackers who can convince users to import compromised phonebook entries. The vulnerability's exploitation potential increases significantly when considering that the affected software is typically used in remote support scenarios where users may encounter untrusted files from various sources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or application instability, as it creates opportunities for remote code execution and privilege escalation within the targeted system. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on remote desktop and support solutions, where the Guest client functionality is commonly used for connecting to remote systems. The security implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where such remote access tools are extensively deployed, as a single compromised endpoint could serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability's presence in versions prior to 12.51 indicates that organizations using older releases were exposed to significant risk without awareness of the potential exploitation paths available to threat actors.
Organizations affected by CVE-2017-5216 should prioritize immediate remediation through the upgrade to Netop Remote Control version 12.51 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions and implementation of network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing additional controls such as application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of unauthorized file import operations, particularly those involving phonebook imports from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell, as exploitation may involve command execution capabilities through the compromised application. Regular security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of importing files from unknown sources and the importance of verifying file integrity before processing through remote access tools. System administrators should also monitor for unusual file import activities and implement proper access controls to limit who can execute the vulnerable phonebook import functionality. The remediation process must also include verification that the updated software properly validates all input data and implements appropriate bounds checking to prevent similar conditions from occurring in the future.