CVE-2008-0470 in ActiveX
Summary
by MITRE
A certain ActiveX control in Comodo AntiVirus 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the ExecuteStr method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0470 represents a critical security flaw within the Comodo AntiVirus 2.0 software suite, specifically targeting an ActiveX control component that exposes dangerous functionality through its ExecuteStr method. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure deserialization and privilege escalation, as it allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. The ActiveX control, designed to provide system security functions, becomes a vector for malicious exploitation due to insufficient input validation and improper access controls. The flaw exists because the ExecuteStr method does not properly sanitize or validate input parameters, creating a path for command injection attacks that bypass normal security boundaries. This vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of insecure input handling that violates fundamental security principles and represents a significant risk to enterprise environments where Comodo AntiVirus is deployed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the ActiveX control's failure to implement proper parameter validation when processing the ExecuteStr method calls. Attackers can craft malicious input strings that get directly executed within the context of the running antivirus process, which typically operates with elevated privileges. This design flaw creates a privilege escalation scenario where remote attackers can execute code with the same permissions as the antivirus service, potentially allowing full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because ActiveX controls are designed to run within web browsers and are often granted elevated system privileges to perform their intended security functions. When these controls contain insecure methods like ExecuteStr, they become attack vectors that can be exploited through web-based delivery mechanisms, making the attack surface significantly larger than traditional local exploits.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0470 extends beyond immediate command execution capabilities to encompass broader system compromise and data exfiltration risks. Since the affected ActiveX control operates with high system privileges, successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover, persistence mechanisms installation, and access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability affects organizations using Comodo AntiVirus 2.0 in enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are enabled in web browsers, creating potential for widespread compromise across multiple endpoints. Network administrators face the challenge of identifying vulnerable systems and implementing immediate mitigations while dealing with the complexity of ActiveX control management. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it can be delivered through web pages, making it accessible to attackers without requiring physical access to target systems. This characteristic aligns with attack patterns documented in the mitre att&ck framework under initial access and privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the execution and persistence phases of the attack lifecycle.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0470 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers or implementing strict security policies that prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX components. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of known vulnerable software components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, as outlined in the CWE database under categories related to insecure input handling and privilege escalation. System administrators should deploy network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious command execution patterns and implement regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other security software components. Additionally, the vulnerability underscores the need for regular software updates and patch management processes, as Comodo AntiVirus 2.0 was superseded by newer versions that addressed this and similar security flaws. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of security reviews during software development and the necessity of implementing defense-in-depth strategies that reduce reliance on single points of failure in security architectures.