CVE-2006-4777 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the DirectAnimation Path Control (DirectAnimation.PathControl) COM object (daxctle.ocx) for Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1, on Chinese and possibly other Windows distributions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unknown manipulations in arguments to the KeyFrame method, possibly related to an integer overflow, as demonstrated by daxctle2, and a different vulnerability than CVE-2006-4446.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-4777 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting the DirectAnimation Path Control COM object within Internet Explorer 6.0 Service Pack 1 on specific Windows distributions including Chinese variants. This flaw resides in the daxctle.ocx component which handles DirectAnimation functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web-based attacks targeting vulnerable browser installations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the KeyFrame method receives malformed arguments, creating conditions that allow attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer overflow that occurs during processing of the KeyFrame method parameters within the DirectAnimation.PathControl COM object. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which represents a serious memory corruption issue where data written to heap memory exceeds allocated buffer boundaries. The overflow is likely triggered by integer overflow conditions during argument processing, where malicious input causes calculations to produce unexpected values that exceed buffer capacity. The exploitation vector leverages the COM object's interaction with Internet Explorer's rendering engine, enabling attackers to craft malicious web content that, when processed by the vulnerable browser, triggers the exploitable condition in the daxctle.ocx component.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to compromised systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Internet Explorer 6.0 was widely deployed in enterprise environments and the vulnerability affects specific Windows distributions, making it a prime target for targeted attacks. The fact that this vulnerability is distinct from CVE-2006-4446 indicates it represents a separate code path or implementation flaw, potentially making it more difficult to detect and patch. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent access through the compromised browser installation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4777 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as Microsoft released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability in their regular security bulletin cycle. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling ActiveX controls where possible, implementing content filtering solutions, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature as a COM object exploit aligns with techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under T1195.002 for Dynamic Data Exchange and T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, making defensive measures that restrict COM object execution particularly effective. Additionally, network segmentation and application whitelisting can help prevent exploitation attempts from reaching vulnerable systems, while regular security assessments should verify that all affected components have been properly updated and that no legacy installations remain vulnerable to this or similar buffer overflow conditions.