CVE-2023-32273 in TELLUS
Summary
by MITRE • 06/19/2023
Stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in TELLUS v4.0.15.0 and TELLUS Lite v4.0.15.0. Opening a specially crafted SIM2 file may lead to information disclosure and/or arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability is different from CVE-2023-32538 and CVE-2023-32201.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in TELLUS v4.0.15.0 and TELLUS Lite v4.0.15.0 software applications that demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation and memory management practices. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the software processes specially crafted SIM2 files, which are typically used for telecommunications data exchange and system configuration. The buffer overflow occurs due to inadequate bounds checking during the parsing of file headers and data structures, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. This particular vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-severity issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw represents a classic example of unsafe memory operations where the application fails to properly validate the size of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size buffers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include potential information disclosure and system compromise. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability through a malicious SIM2 file, they can achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that the attacker can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data structures to redirect program execution flow. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution, as successful exploitation would allow for arbitrary command execution. The vulnerability's distinction from CVE-2023-32538 and CVE-2023-32201 indicates it represents a unique code path or implementation flaw specific to the SIM2 file processing module, suggesting the software may have multiple attack surfaces that require separate mitigation strategies.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires careful crafting of SIM2 files that exceed the expected buffer boundaries, typically through manipulating file headers or data sections that control memory allocation. Attackers would need to understand the memory layout of the target system and the specific buffer sizes used within the TELLUS application to successfully execute their payload. This vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper input sanitization and memory boundary checks. Organizations using these telecommunications applications face significant risk as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely through file attachment or download scenarios, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where automated file processing occurs. The security implications extend to potential denial of service conditions, data corruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive telecommunications infrastructure information. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected software versions, implementation of file validation controls, and network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. Additionally, security monitoring should focus on unusual file processing activities and memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1070.006 for indicator removal on host.