CVE-2019-7165 in DOSBox
Summary
by MITRE
A buffer overflow in DOSBox 0.74-2 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7165 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within DOSBox version 0.74-2, a popular DOS emulator used for running legacy DOS applications and games on modern operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects the emulator's handling of certain file formats, creating a condition where attacker-controlled input can overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw exists in the way DOSBox processes specific data structures during file parsing operations, particularly when dealing with malformed or specially crafted input files that trigger the overflow condition.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the emulator's file processing routines. When DOSBox encounters a specially crafted input file, the application fails to validate the size or content of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size buffers allocated in memory. This classic buffer overflow condition allows an attacker to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data structures, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the emulator. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through legitimate file processing operations, making it difficult to distinguish between benign and malicious input without proper validation.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-7165 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain complete control over systems running vulnerable versions of DOSBox. This includes potential privilege escalation scenarios where attackers could execute malicious code with elevated permissions, especially if the emulator is run with administrative privileges. The vulnerability affects users who may unknowingly open malicious files, download compromised games, or encounter infected archives that trigger the overflow during normal operation. Given DOSBox's widespread use in gaming communities, educational environments, and retro computing preservation efforts, the potential attack surface is substantial and includes both individual users and organizations maintaining legacy software environments.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to DOSBox version 0.74-3 or later, which contains patches addressing this specific buffer overflow condition. Additionally, users should exercise extreme caution when opening files from untrusted sources, particularly archives or game files that may contain malicious content designed to exploit this vulnerability. System administrators should consider implementing network-level controls to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious files and ensure that users are educated about the risks associated with running legacy software. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and maps to attack techniques in the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and script injection, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures including input validation, memory protection mechanisms, and regular software updates to prevent exploitation of such critical flaws.