CVE-2003-0646 in HouseCall
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in ActiveX controls used by Trend Micro HouseCall 5.5 and 5.7, and Damage Cleanup Server 1.0, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long parameter strings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0646 represents a critical security flaw affecting Trend Micro HouseCall versions 5.5 and 5.7, as well as Damage Cleanup Server 1.0 through the use of vulnerable ActiveX controls. This issue stems from improper input validation within the ActiveX components that handle user-supplied parameters, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit buffer overflow conditions. The affected software operates within enterprise security contexts where ActiveX controls are frequently deployed to provide system scanning and cleanup functionalities, making these vulnerabilities particularly dangerous in corporate environments where they could be leveraged for unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of buffer overflow conditions within ActiveX controls that process parameter strings. When the vulnerable ActiveX components receive excessively long parameter inputs, they fail to properly validate the length of these inputs before copying them into fixed-length buffers. This fundamental flaw allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking permits memory corruption that can be systematically exploited to gain control over the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-0646 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with potential persistence mechanisms and privilege escalation capabilities. Attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to install backdoors, modify system configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive data from compromised systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these ActiveX controls are often deployed in enterprise environments where they may run with elevated privileges, and the vulnerability affects widely used security scanning tools that are typically installed on target systems. This creates a scenario where attackers can exploit the very tools designed to protect systems against malware, effectively undermining the security posture of organizations that rely on these solutions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0646 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Trend Micro products, as the vendor released updates to address the buffer overflow conditions in their ActiveX controls. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running vulnerable ActiveX components and consider disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible. The vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the attack pattern taxonomy under the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically relating to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. Security professionals should also implement application whitelisting policies and monitor for suspicious ActiveX control usage patterns. Additional defensive measures include regular vulnerability assessments of ActiveX components and maintaining updated threat intelligence feeds to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting these specific vulnerabilities.