CVE-2003-0470 in Security Check Service
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the "RuFSI Utility Class" ActiveX control (aka "RuFSI Registry Information Class"), as used for the Symantec Security Check service, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long argument to CompareVersionStrings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0470 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the RuFSI Utility Class ActiveX control, which was integrated into Symantec's Security Check service. This particular ActiveX control, also known as the RuFSI Registry Information Class, was designed to provide registry information services but contained a fundamental programming error that created a exploitable condition. The flaw specifically manifests when the control processes a lengthy argument passed to the CompareVersionStrings method, which serves as the primary attack vector for remote exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the ActiveX control's CompareVersionStrings function. When an attacker supplies an excessively long string argument, the control fails to properly bounds-check the input before copying it into a fixed-size buffer located in memory. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs because the application does not verify that the input data will fit within the allocated memory space, allowing malicious data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The overflow can potentially overwrite critical program execution data such as return addresses, function pointers, or other control structures that govern program flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities through remote code execution. Since the affected ActiveX control was designed to be loaded automatically by web browsers when visiting infected websites, attackers could deliver malicious payloads through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a compromised site. The vulnerability's classification as a remote exploit means that attackers could potentially compromise systems simply by hosting malicious content on web servers, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users frequently browse the internet. This type of vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for Windows Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation would allow for arbitrary command execution.
The security implications of CVE-2003-0470 extend to the broader context of ActiveX control security management and the risks associated with unpatched third-party components. This vulnerability demonstrates how legacy security controls and outdated ActiveX components could serve as primary attack vectors for sophisticated adversaries. Organizations implementing the Symantec Security Check service were particularly vulnerable, as the control was often deployed in enterprise environments without proper security monitoring or patch management procedures. The vulnerability's presence in a widely deployed security service created a paradoxical situation where the security tool itself became a potential attack surface, highlighting the importance of secure coding practices and thorough security testing of all components within security infrastructure. This issue aligns with CWE-121, which describes the classic stack-based buffer overflow condition, and represents a fundamental flaw in software design that could be exploited across multiple platforms and environments where the affected ActiveX control was installed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability required immediate patching of the affected Symantec Security Check service components, along with browser-based security measures to prevent automatic loading of potentially malicious ActiveX controls. Security professionals recommended implementing application whitelisting policies, disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Organizations were advised to conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected ActiveX controls and to implement proper security monitoring procedures for detecting anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlighted the importance of maintaining updated security patches and implementing proper security controls for third-party components within enterprise environments, as the affected service was widely deployed across organizations relying on Symantec's security solutions for their protection.