CVE-2008-0082 in Windows Messenger
Summary
by MITRE
An ActiveX control (Messenger.UIAutomation.1) in Windows Messenger 4.7 and 5.1 is marked as safe-for-scripting, which allows remote attackers to control the Messenger application, and "change state," obtain contact information, and establish audio or video connections without notification via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0082 represents a critical security flaw in the Windows Messenger application that exploits a design weakness in ActiveX control security mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically affects Windows Messenger versions 4.7 and 5.1, where the Messenger.UIAutomation.1 ActiveX control has been improperly configured with safe-for-scripting permissions. The security configuration allows malicious code executing in web browsers or other trusted environments to gain unauthorized control over the Messenger application without proper user consent or awareness. This misconfiguration creates an attack surface that fundamentally undermines the security boundaries between trusted and untrusted code execution environments.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper security classification of the ActiveX control, which should not have been marked as safe-for-scripting given its functionality within the Messenger application. This designation enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands against the vulnerable application through unknown attack vectors that typically involve malicious web pages or email attachments containing malicious ActiveX code. The control's unsafe configuration allows attackers to manipulate the application's state, access sensitive contact information, and establish audio or video connections without any user notification or consent. This behavior directly violates fundamental security principles of user consent and application integrity that are essential for secure communication software.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass significant privacy and security implications for users of the affected Messenger versions. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to perform surveillance activities by accessing contact lists and establishing connections without user knowledge, potentially leading to social engineering attacks or unauthorized communication interception. The lack of user notification during connection establishment creates a stealthy attack vector that can be used for persistent monitoring or data exfiltration activities. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where Windows Messenger was commonly used for internal communications, potentially allowing attackers to gain access to sensitive organizational contact information and communication patterns.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-431 and CWE-94 categories, representing improper input validation and code injection vulnerabilities that arise from insecure ActiveX control configurations. The attack vector falls under ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected systems through Microsoft security updates, disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers when not required, and implementing network-level controls to restrict access to Messenger services. Organizations should also consider deploying application whitelisting policies that prevent execution of unauthorized ActiveX controls and establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized Messenger application access or connection attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper security configuration and the dangers of overly permissive control permissions in communication software applications.