CVE-2017-5333 in icoutils
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the extract_group_icon_cursor_resource function in b/wrestool/extract.c in icoutils before 0.31.1 allows local users to cause a denial of service (process crash) or execute arbitrary code via a crafted executable file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5333 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the icoutils software suite, specifically affecting the extract_group_icon_cursor_resource function located in b/wrestool/extract.c. This issue exists in versions prior to 0.31.1 and demonstrates how seemingly benign file processing operations can be exploited to compromise system integrity. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and arithmetic overflow handling when processing executable files containing specially crafted resource data. Integer overflow conditions occur when an arithmetic operation attempts to create a value that exceeds the maximum value that can be stored within the allocated storage space, leading to unexpected behavior in the affected software components.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when maliciously crafted executable files are processed by the wrestool utility, which is part of the icoutils package commonly used for extracting icons and other resources from windows executable files. When the extract_group_icon_cursor_resource function attempts to handle oversized or malformed resource data, the integer overflow causes memory corruption that can manifest as either a denial of service condition resulting in process termination or more severely, arbitrary code execution within the context of the running process. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is classified as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to manipulate integer values beyond their intended range.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that process untrusted executable files, particularly in environments where automated processing or user-uploaded content is common. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service as the potential for arbitrary code execution means that attackers could gain control over affected systems, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in automated processing environments such as malware analysis systems, document processing pipelines, or any application that handles executable file extraction. Attackers could craft specific executable files designed to trigger this overflow condition, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The exploitation of CVE-2017-5333 aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and execution through file processing. The vulnerability enables adversaries to leverage resource extraction utilities as attack vectors, which fits within the broader category of supply chain attacks or file format exploitation techniques. Organizations implementing defensive measures should consider the principle of least privilege when running applications that process executable files, as well as maintain up-to-date software versions to mitigate this and similar vulnerabilities. The fix for this issue involved proper bounds checking and integer overflow protection mechanisms within the affected function, ensuring that resource size calculations are validated before memory allocation occurs. This represents a classic example of how proper input validation and robust error handling can prevent memory corruption vulnerabilities that could otherwise be leveraged for serious security compromises.