CVE-2008-0380 in RtspVapgDecoder.dll
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Digital Data Communications RtspVaPgCtrl ActiveX control (RtspVapgDecoder.dll 1.1.0.29) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long MP4Prefix property.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0380 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Digital Data Communications RtspVaPgCtrl ActiveX control, specifically affecting the RtspVapgDecoder.dll component version 1.1.0.29. This ActiveX control is designed to handle Real-Time Streaming Protocol operations and MP4 file processing, making it a potential entry point for malicious actors targeting systems that execute untrusted web content. The flaw manifests when the MP4Prefix property receives input that exceeds the allocated buffer space, creating conditions ripe for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the ActiveX control's implementation, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that can overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer overflow pattern where attackers manipulate the MP4Prefix property to exceed the predetermined buffer size allocated for this parameter. When the ActiveX control processes the oversized input, it writes data beyond the intended memory boundaries, potentially overwriting critical program structures such as return addresses or function pointers. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow to malicious code injected by the attacker. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web browser environments where ActiveX controls are automatically executed, as users may unknowingly trigger the exploit through visiting compromised websites or opening maliciously crafted web content. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which falls under the broader category of CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, both of which are fundamental weaknesses in software security that enable code execution exploits.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0380 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise, as successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. Systems running vulnerable versions of the Digital Data Communications software are at risk of being fully compromised, potentially enabling attackers to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to network resources. The vulnerability affects Windows operating systems where ActiveX controls are supported, particularly older versions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 that were prevalent during the time of the vulnerability's discovery. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through drive-by download scenarios, where visiting a compromised website automatically triggers the exploit without user interaction, making it particularly effective for mass deployment attacks. The exploit chain typically involves crafting a malicious web page that loads the vulnerable ActiveX control with oversized MP4Prefix parameter, leading to remote code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0380 should prioritize immediate remediation through vendor-provided patches or updates to the RtspVapgDecoder.dll component. Organizations should disable ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, particularly in environments where users do not require the functionality provided by such controls. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit the potential impact of exploitation by restricting access to systems that may be vulnerable. Security updates should be applied promptly, and system administrators should conduct thorough inventory checks to identify all instances of the vulnerable ActiveX control across their network infrastructure. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as exploitation typically involves JavaScript-based web attacks that leverage ActiveX controls. Additionally, the attack pattern fits T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution, which describes techniques used to execute malicious code on a target system through client-side exploitation. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized ActiveX controls and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to identify emerging exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for components that handle untrusted data from web sources.