CVE-2020-6089 in LEADTOOLS
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the ANI file format parser of Leadtools 20. A specially crafted ANI file can cause a buffer overflow resulting in remote code execution. An attacker can provide a malicious file to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6089 represents a critical code execution flaw within the Leadtools 20 software suite, specifically affecting the ANI file format parser. This issue falls under the category of buffer overflow vulnerabilities, which have been consistently classified as high-risk exploits due to their potential for arbitrary code execution. The ANI file format, commonly used for animated cursor files in windows operating systems, serves as the attack vector for this particular weakness. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the parsing routine responsible for processing ANI file structures, creating an environment where maliciously crafted data can overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow scenario where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to exceed the allocated memory buffer during ANI file processing. When the Leadtools 20 application attempts to parse a specially crafted ANI file, the parser fails to properly validate the size of data elements within the file structure, particularly concerning the animation frames and metadata sections. This lack of proper validation enables an attacker to inject malicious data that exceeds the intended buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting critical program memory including return addresses, function pointers, or other control structures. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, requiring the target system to open or process the malicious ANI file, making it a prime candidate for social engineering attacks or automated exploitation through web-based delivery mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-6089 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully triggers this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the Leadtools application, potentially leading to full system control. This risk is particularly elevated in environments where Leadtools is used for document processing or multimedia applications, as these systems often run with elevated privileges or have access to sensitive data repositories. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit systems without requiring physical access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where automated attacks can propagate across networks. The attack surface is broadened by the widespread use of Leadtools in various applications, including medical imaging systems, document management platforms, and digital archiving solutions.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Leadtools 20, implementing strict file validation policies, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted ANI files and establish robust file upload validation mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables remote code execution through client-side application vulnerabilities, and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation allows for command execution within the compromised system's context. The remediation approach should include comprehensive patch management, user education about risky file attachments, and regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the software ecosystem.