CVE-2024-6596 in Echo Curve Viewer
Summary
by MITRE • 09/10/2024
An unauthenticated remote attacker can run malicious c# code included in curve files and execute commands in the users context.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in software that processes curve files, allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary malicious c# code within the victim's user context. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of curve file data, which are typically used in cryptographic operations and mathematical computations. When the affected system processes these curve files, it fails to properly validate the content, enabling an attacker to embed malicious c# code that gets executed during the processing phase. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-94 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can deliver a malicious curve file to the target system. The execution occurs within the user context, meaning that the malicious code inherits the privileges and permissions of the user account running the vulnerable software, potentially leading to privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability is especially concerning in environments where curve files are processed automatically or through automated workflows, as it can be exploited without any user interaction or awareness.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the software's failure to properly isolate and validate the contents of curve files before executing any embedded code. Curve files often contain mathematical data structures and cryptographic parameters that are processed by the application. In this case, the vulnerability occurs when the system attempts to parse or execute code contained within these files without adequate sandboxing or code validation mechanisms. The malicious c# code can leverage the .NET runtime environment that is typically present on systems processing these files, allowing for direct execution of commands, file manipulation, network communications, and other malicious activities. The lack of authentication requirements means that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet, provided they can deliver a malicious curve file to a system that processes such files. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as the attacker can potentially establish persistence mechanisms, exfiltrate data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially affecting organizations across various sectors including financial services, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data, potentially leading to significant financial losses, regulatory violations, and operational disruption. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that organizations cannot rely on traditional network-based security controls to prevent exploitation, as the vulnerability can be triggered from external sources without any prior authentication or authorization. This vulnerability also poses a significant risk in environments where curve files are automatically processed as part of legitimate business workflows, such as in financial trading systems, scientific computing platforms, or cryptographic service providers. Organizations may face compliance issues if sensitive data is compromised through this vulnerability, particularly in regulated environments where data protection and security controls are mandated by industry standards. The attack can be automated and scaled, allowing threat actors to target multiple systems simultaneously, potentially leading to widespread compromise across an organization's infrastructure. Recovery from such an attack may require extensive system remediation, including software updates, security assessments, and potential complete system reinstallation to ensure all malicious code is removed from compromised systems.