CVE-2020-7828 in DaviewIndy
Summary
by MITRE
DaviewIndy 8.98.4 and earlier version contain Heap-based overflow vulnerability, triggered when the user opens a malformed specific file that is mishandled by Daview.exe. Attackers could exploit this and arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7828 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in DaviewIndy software version 8.98.4 and earlier. This flaw resides within the Daview.exe application component which processes specific file formats, creating a dangerous condition where memory allocation becomes compromised when handling malformed input data. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking and memory management practices during file parsing operations, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's heap memory structure through carefully crafted malicious files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which occurs when data is written beyond the allocated buffer boundaries in heap memory. When Daview.exe encounters a specially crafted malformed file, the application fails to validate input parameters properly, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by adversaries. The overflow occurs during the file processing routine where insufficient boundary checks allow an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program structures and execution flow. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because heap overflows can be leveraged to achieve arbitrary code execution through controlled memory manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-7828 extends beyond simple system compromise as it enables attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application. This vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering tactics where users are tricked into opening malicious files, or through automated exploitation in environments where file handling occurs without proper user interaction. The attack surface includes any system running DaviewIndy 8.98.4 or earlier versions, making it particularly concerning for organizations with legacy software deployments. The exploitability of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7828 should prioritize immediate software updates to DaviewIndy version 8.98.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the heap overflow vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures and restrict user access to file processing capabilities where possible. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help prevent unauthorized execution of vulnerable components. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file handling activities and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in preventing memory corruption exploits, aligning with industry best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.