CVE-2002-0975 in DirectX Files Viewer Control
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Microsoft DirectX Files Viewer ActiveX control (xweb.ocx) 2.0.6.15 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary via a long File parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0975 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Microsoft DirectX Files Viewer ActiveX control version 2.0.6.15 and earlier releases. This security weakness resides in the xweb.ocx component that is part of the DirectX software development kit, specifically affecting applications that utilize this ActiveX control for handling multimedia content. The flaw manifests when the control processes a File parameter that exceeds the allocated buffer space, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the ActiveX control's handling of file paths and parameters. When a remote attacker crafts a specially formatted File parameter containing an excessive amount of data, the control fails to properly bounds-check the input before copying it into a fixed-size buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition allows the attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the ActiveX control's memory management, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass standard user-mode protections and directly compromise system integrity.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0975 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access to vulnerable systems. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through web browsers that have the affected ActiveX control installed, typically by crafting malicious web pages that trigger the vulnerable code path when users visit compromised websites. The attack vector is particularly concerning given that ActiveX controls were widely distributed and enabled by default on Windows systems, creating an extensive attack surface. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions as a fundamental memory safety issue, and demonstrates how legacy ActiveX technologies can present persistent security risks in enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected ActiveX control through Microsoft's security updates, specifically addressing the xweb.ocx component version 2.0.6.15 and earlier. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser security policies that disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted sites only, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's mitigation techniques for exploitation of web-based vulnerabilities. System administrators should also deploy network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized ActiveX control execution. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their systems updated with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure that legitimate functionality is preserved while eliminating the buffer overflow condition that enables arbitrary code execution.