CVE-2008-0551 in NamoInstaller.NamoInstall.1
Summary
by MITRE
The NamoInstaller.NamoInstall.1 ActiveX control in NamoInstaller.dll 3.0.0.1 and earlier in Namo Web Editor in Sejoong Namo ActiveSquare 6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a URL in the argument to the Install method. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0551 represents a critical security flaw in the Namo Web Editor software suite, specifically within the NamoInstaller.dll component version 3.0.0.1 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the NamoInstaller.NamoInstall.1 ActiveX control which is part of the Sejoong Namo ActiveSquare 6 product line. The flaw manifests as a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Install method of the ActiveX control, which fails to properly sanitize URL parameters passed to it during execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the Install method's argument parameter, specifically when a malicious URL is passed as input. When the vulnerable ActiveX control processes this malformed input, it executes arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the user running the application. This represents a classic buffer overflow or injection vulnerability pattern where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into system execution paths without adequate sanitization or validation. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the trust model inherent in ActiveX controls, which are designed to execute with elevated privileges when installed in web browsers or other trusted environments.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations using the affected software, as it allows remote attackers to execute malicious code without requiring local system access or authentication. The exploit can be delivered through various vectors including malicious websites, phishing emails, or compromised web pages that embed the vulnerable ActiveX control. Once exploited, the attacker gains the ability to install additional malware, modify system files, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors on the compromised system. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 technique for Exploit Public-Facing Application, and represents a significant threat to enterprise security infrastructure.
The vulnerability can be addressed through several mitigation strategies including immediate patching of the affected software to version 3.0.0.2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. System administrators should also implement browser security measures such as disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, particularly in environments where the vulnerable software is not required. Network-level protections including firewall rules that block access to potentially malicious URLs and content filtering solutions can help reduce the attack surface. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of visiting untrusted websites and clicking on suspicious links remains crucial. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-74, which describes "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component," and CWE-94, which covers "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their software ecosystems.