CVE-2018-7487 in sam2p
Summary
by MITRE
There is a heap-based buffer overflow in the LoadPCX function of in_pcx.cpp in sam2p 0.49.4. A Crafted input will lead to a denial of service attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7487 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the sam2p 0.49.4 software package, specifically within the LoadPCX function located in the in_pcx.cpp source file. This flaw emerges when the application processes specially crafted pcx image files, creating a scenario where arbitrary memory corruption can occur during the parsing of malformed input data. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking and input validation mechanisms within the PCX file format parser, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout through carefully constructed input sequences that exceed allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of memory allocation patterns during PCX file processing, where the LoadPCX function fails to properly validate the dimensions and data structures contained within the input file. When a maliciously crafted pcx file is processed, the application's memory management routines become compromised as the parser attempts to write data beyond the allocated heap buffer space. This heap corruption can manifest through various memory management errors including stack smashing, memory pointer corruption, or arbitrary code execution depending on the specific memory layout and system configuration. The flaw operates at the intersection of improper input validation and memory safety issues, creating a pathway for attackers to disrupt normal application functionality through controlled memory manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7487 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors within the broader context of software exploitation. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability can cause the sam2p application to crash or behave unpredictably, effectively preventing legitimate users from processing pcx image files through the affected software. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns found in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for process injection and memory manipulation. Organizations relying on sam2p for image format conversion or processing may experience service disruption, data processing failures, or potential escalation to more serious system compromise depending on how the vulnerable application is integrated into larger software ecosystems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7487 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that contain patched implementations of the LoadPCX function with proper bounds checking and input validation. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems while monitoring for potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, input sanitization measures including file format validation, size limiting, and content inspection should be implemented at network boundaries to prevent malicious pcx files from reaching vulnerable applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining updated software libraries and implementing robust memory safety practices in image processing applications, as similar flaws in related software components could provide alternative attack vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls and runtime monitoring to detect anomalous behavior indicative of buffer overflow exploitation attempts.