CVE-2008-1107 in DanskeSikker.ocx
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the Danske Bank e-Sec Control Module ActiveX control (DanskeSikker.ocx) 3.1.0.48, and possibly earlier versions, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long arguments to unspecified methods, which are not properly handled by a logging function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1107 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the Danske Bank e-Sec Control Module ActiveX control version 3.1.0.48 and potentially earlier releases. This flaw exists within the DanskeSikker.ocx component that is part of the Danske Bank e-Sec Control Module suite, which is designed to provide security functionality for financial applications. The vulnerability specifically affects the control's logging function that processes method arguments without proper bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution capabilities. The affected ActiveX control is typically deployed in Windows environments and integrates with web browsers and other applications that support ActiveX controls, making it accessible to attackers who can trigger the vulnerability through web-based attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the ActiveX control's internal logging mechanisms. When the control receives method calls with excessively long arguments, the logging function fails to validate the input length before copying data to a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs because the control does not perform adequate bounds checking on user-supplied data before processing it through the vulnerable logging function. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that attackers can overwrite return addresses and other critical stack data, potentially allowing them to redirect program execution to malicious code. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as stack-based buffer overflow, which is a well-documented and frequently exploited weakness in software development practices. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require authentication or local access to exploit, making it suitable for remote code execution attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1107 extends significantly beyond typical software vulnerabilities due to the widespread deployment of Danske Bank e-Sec Control Module across financial institutions and enterprises. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through web browsers when visiting malicious websites that embed the vulnerable ActiveX control, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive financial data. The vulnerability affects not only the targeted financial applications but also exposes the broader Windows environment to potential exploitation, as the ActiveX control can be loaded in various browser contexts. Security researchers have noted that this type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the exploitation of ActiveX controls for code execution. The attack surface is particularly broad since ActiveX controls are often automatically downloaded and executed in web browsers, making user interaction minimal or non-existent during exploitation. Organizations using affected versions of the Danske Bank e-Sec Control Module face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential financial fraud.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1107 require immediate action to prevent exploitation of the vulnerable ActiveX control. The most effective approach involves completely removing or disabling the DanskeSikker.ocx control from affected systems, as the vulnerability cannot be patched due to the age of the affected software version. Organizations should implement browser security policies that prevent automatic execution of ActiveX controls and consider using security software that can detect and block malicious ActiveX loading attempts. Network-level protections such as firewall rules that block access to known malicious domains and web resources can also provide additional defense layers. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper software lifecycle management and the risks associated with outdated ActiveX controls in enterprise environments. Security teams should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect suspicious ActiveX loading patterns and anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Given the nature of the vulnerability and its classification under CWE-121, organizations should review their ActiveX control deployment policies and consider migrating to modern, secure alternatives that do not rely on potentially vulnerable legacy components. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the dangers posed by outdated ActiveX controls and the necessity of maintaining current security practices in financial and enterprise environments.