CVE-2008-0659 in Image Uploader ActiveX control
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Aurigma Image Uploader ActiveX control (ImageUploader4.ocx) 4.5.70 and earlier, as used in MySpace MySpaceUploader.ocx 1.0.0.4, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long Action property.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-0659 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting the Aurigma Image Uploader ActiveX control version 4.5.70 and earlier. This flaw specifically impacts the MySpace MySpaceUploader.ocx component version 1.0.0.4, creating a dangerous attack surface that enables remote code execution. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Action property of the ActiveX control, which fails to properly bounds-check user-supplied data before copying it to a fixed-size stack buffer. This fundamental design flaw allows an attacker to overflow the buffer and overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses and control flow information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent stack memory. The attack vector involves remote exploitation through a specially crafted web page or application that loads the vulnerable ActiveX control and sets the Action property to a maliciously constructed string exceeding the buffer capacity. The buffer overflow occurs because the ActiveX control does not implement proper input length validation or sanitization before processing the Action parameter, making it susceptible to exploitation by attackers who can control the input data. This vulnerability specifically targets the Windows operating system environment where ActiveX controls are executed with the privileges of the user running the browser or application hosting the control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities when successfully exploited. The vulnerability enables arbitrary code execution in the context of the user running the vulnerable application, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors. The attack requires no local privileges and can be executed through web-based delivery mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation. Organizations using MySpace or similar platforms that incorporate this ActiveX control face significant risk, as the vulnerability can be leveraged through social engineering campaigns or by compromising websites that embed the vulnerable component. The exploitability factor is high due to the predictable nature of stack buffer overflows and the availability of exploitation techniques that can be automated.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves updating to a patched version of the Aurigma Image Uploader ActiveX control, specifically version 4.5.71 or later, which contains proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. System administrators should implement browser security policies that restrict ActiveX control execution or disable ActiveX altogether where possible, particularly in enterprise environments. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of remote services, by focusing on patch management and access control measures. Additional protective measures include network segmentation to limit exposure, implementing application whitelisting policies, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider removing or disabling the vulnerable ActiveX control from user systems and transitioning to modern web technologies that do not rely on ActiveX controls, as these legacy components present ongoing security risks that are difficult to fully mitigate. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the persistent dangers associated with ActiveX controls and the importance of maintaining current security practices in legacy software environments.