CVE-2008-0015 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the CComVariant::ReadFromStream function in the Active Template Library (ATL), as used in the MPEG2TuneRequest ActiveX control in msvidctl.dll in DirectShow, in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista Gold, SP1, and SP2, and Server 2008 Gold and SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web page, as exploited in the wild in July 2009, aka "Microsoft Video ActiveX Control Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2026
The CVE-2008-0015 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Active Template Library's CComVariant::ReadFromStream function, specifically affecting the MPEG2TuneRequest ActiveX control in msvidctl.dll. This vulnerability resides in Microsoft's DirectShow framework and impacts multiple Windows operating systems including Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista Gold, SP1, and SP2, as well as Server 2008 Gold and SP2. The flaw occurs when processing untrusted input through the ActiveX control's stream reading functionality, creating a condition where malicious data can overwrite adjacent memory on the stack. This vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild during July 2009, demonstrating its significance as a real-world threat that adversaries leveraged for remote code execution attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the CComVariant::ReadFromStream function, which is part of the Active Template Library designed to facilitate COM component development. When the MPEG2TuneRequest ActiveX control processes data from a web stream, the function fails to properly bounds-check incoming data before copying it to a fixed-size stack buffer. This allows an attacker to craft a malicious web page containing specially formatted data that, when processed by the vulnerable ActiveX control, overflows the stack buffer and overwrites return addresses and other critical stack data. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector requires user interaction through a malicious web page, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation in browser-based environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0015 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable ActiveX control, typically resulting in full system compromise when users browse malicious websites. The vulnerability's exploitation in the wild during 2009 demonstrated how attackers could leverage this flaw to deploy malware, establish backdoors, and perform reconnaissance activities. The widespread nature of affected Windows versions meant that this vulnerability could impact enterprise networks, home users, and critical infrastructure systems. Organizations using affected systems faced significant risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within networks, as the vulnerability could be exploited without requiring special privileges or local access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0015 require a multi-layered approach combining immediate patching with defensive measures. Microsoft released security updates addressing this vulnerability through Windows Update, with the primary fix being the patched version of msvidctl.dll that properly validates input before buffer operations. Organizations should implement browser security measures including ActiveX control restrictions, enhanced Internet Explorer security zones, and browser sandboxing techniques to limit potential exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for defensive measures such as application whitelisting, network monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns, and user education about dangerous web content. Additional mitigations include disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and maintaining up-to-date antivirus signatures that can detect exploitation payloads associated with this vulnerability. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited in the wild.