CVE-2008-0090 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
A certain ActiveX control in npUpload.dll in DivX Player 6.6.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (Internet Explorer 7 crash) via a long argument to the SetPassword method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0090 represents a classic buffer overflow condition within the ActiveX control component of DivX Player version 6.6.0. This specific flaw exists in the npUpload.dll library which is responsible for handling various multimedia operations including password management. The vulnerability manifests when the SetPassword method receives an excessively long argument string, causing the ActiveX control to improperly handle memory allocation and subsequently crash the hosting Internet Explorer 7 browser process. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of buffer overflow conditions that are commonly classified as CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow issues where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the ActiveX control interface within Internet Explorer 7, leveraging the browser's trust model that allows ActiveX components to execute with elevated privileges. When a malicious user crafts a specially formatted argument string that exceeds the allocated buffer space for the SetPassword method, the control fails to properly validate input length before processing, leading to stack corruption and eventual application crash. This behavior demonstrates the fundamental security weakness in the control's input validation mechanisms, where no bounds checking is performed on the argument passed to the SetPassword method, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through web-based attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a potential vector for more sophisticated attacks within the context of a compromised browser environment. While the immediate effect is a browser crash that disrupts user experience, the underlying flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices that could potentially be leveraged for more serious exploits. The vulnerability affects users running Internet Explorer 7 with DivX Player 6.6.0, creating a security risk that persists as long as the vulnerable ActiveX control remains registered in the system's component object model. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability could be categorized under T1203, which involves legitimate programs that are used to execute adversary-controlled code, potentially allowing for privilege escalation or further exploitation of the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0090 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and system hardening measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to a newer version of DivX Player that addresses the buffer overflow condition in the npUpload.dll component. Organizations should also implement ActiveX control restrictions within Internet Explorer, disabling or removing the vulnerable control from user systems where possible. Additionally, implementing proper input validation on all user-supplied data within ActiveX controls represents a fundamental defensive measure that aligns with secure coding practices recommended by industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure software development. Network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to prevent access to potentially malicious content that could trigger this vulnerability. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify and remediate similar issues in legacy ActiveX controls that may remain in production environments.