CVE-2008-0660 in PhotoUploader
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in Aurigma Image Uploader ActiveX control (ImageUploader4.ocx) 4.6.17.0, 4.5.70.0, and 4.5.126.0, and ImageUploader5 5.0.10.0, as used by Facebook PhotoUploader 4.5.57.0, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long (1) ExtractExif and (2) ExtractIptc properties.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0660 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Aurigma Image Uploader ActiveX control, specifically affecting versions 4.6.17.0, 4.5.70.0, 4.5.126.0, and ImageUploader5 5.0.10.0. This vulnerability was particularly concerning as it was integrated into Facebook PhotoUploader 4.5.57.0, exposing millions of users to potential exploitation. The flaw manifests through improper input validation in two distinct properties of the ActiveX control, namely ExtractExif and ExtractIptc, which are designed to handle metadata extraction from image files. These properties accept user-supplied data without adequate bounds checking, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory on the stack through carefully crafted input sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the ActiveX control's failure to properly validate the length of input data passed to the ExtractExif and ExtractIptc properties. When these properties receive input data exceeding their allocated buffer space, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and allowing attackers to overwrite return addresses or other critical control data. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration as a fundamental flaw in memory management within software applications. The nature of the vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution, as attackers can manipulate the overwritten return addresses to redirect program execution flow to malicious payloads injected into the buffer overflow.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass significant security implications for web applications that rely on ActiveX controls for image processing functionality. The vulnerability was particularly dangerous because it could be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website or clicking on a compromised link. Attackers could craft specially formatted web pages that would automatically trigger the vulnerable ActiveX control when loaded in Internet Explorer, leveraging the browser's ActiveX support to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the application. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the exploitation of vulnerabilities in software components to gain execution privileges.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates the persistent risks associated with ActiveX controls in enterprise and consumer environments, particularly in scenarios where legacy software components remain in use despite known security flaws. Organizations that had deployed Facebook PhotoUploader or similar applications incorporating the vulnerable Aurigma Image Uploader control were exposed to potential compromise, as the vulnerability could be leveraged to install malware, steal user credentials, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in software development practices, as the flaw could have been prevented through implementation of adequate buffer size checks and secure coding practices. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a classic example of how seemingly benign functionality can become a critical attack surface when proper security controls are not implemented, and it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for comprehensive vulnerability management and legacy software retirement strategies.