CVE-2022-35111 in SWFTools
Summary
by MITRE • 08/17/2022
SWFTools commit 772e55a2 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via __sanitizer::StackDepotNode::hash(__sanitizer::StackTrace const&) at /sanitizer_common/sanitizer_stackdepot.cpp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-35111 resides within SWFTools, a collection of utilities for working with Adobe Flash files, specifically targeting a stack overflow condition that occurs during the processing of maliciously crafted SWF content. This flaw manifests in the __sanitizer::StackDepotNode::hash function located within the sanitizer_stackdepot.cpp file, which is part of the sanitizer common components used for memory error detection and debugging. The stack overflow vulnerability emerges when the stack depot hash function processes a specially crafted stack trace structure, leading to potential memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The issue is particularly concerning because it occurs within a sanitization component that is designed to detect memory errors, making it a prime target for exploitation in advanced persistent threat scenarios. The vulnerability can be triggered through normal SWF file processing operations, making it accessible to attackers who can induce the tool to process malicious Flash content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it affects the integrity and availability of systems that rely on SWFTools for Flash content processing. When exploited successfully, the stack overflow could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the SWFTools application, potentially leading to full system compromise. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where SWFTools is used for processing untrusted Flash content, such as web applications, content management systems, or automated processing pipelines.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-35111 should focus on immediate patching of affected SWFTools versions, implementing strict input validation for all Flash content processed through the tool, and employing sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious SWF file processing activities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution, as exploitation may involve executing malicious code through compromised SWF processing workflows. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with T1203 legitimate program use, where the legitimate SWFTools application is leveraged for malicious purposes through the exploitation of its inherent security flaws, highlighting the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of all system components that process untrusted input data.