CVE-2008-1724 in Securetransport Server App
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the IActiveXTransfer.FileTransfer method in the SecureTransport FileTransfer ActiveX control in vcst_en.dll 1.0.0.5 in Tumbleweed SecureTransport Server before 4.6.1 Hotfix 20 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long remoteFile parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-1724 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting the SecureTransport FileTransfer ActiveX control component. This flaw exists within the vcst_en.dll library version 1.0.0.5 that is part of the Tumbleweed SecureTransport Server software suite. The vulnerability specifically targets the IActiveXTransfer.FileTransfer method which handles file transfer operations through ActiveX interfaces. The flaw manifests when the remoteFile parameter exceeds the allocated buffer space, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where the buffer overflow occurs in stack memory allocation and can lead to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires remote attackers to craft a malicious request containing an excessively long remoteFile parameter that exceeds the buffer boundaries allocated for this specific method. When the ActiveX control processes this malformed input, the overflow corrupts the stack frame, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack data. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages ActiveX controls which are commonly enabled in web browsers, making the exploitation possible through web-based attacks without requiring local system access. This vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it targets a publicly accessible web interface component.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially enable full system compromise. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable ActiveX control, typically the web server process or the end user's browser. This could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, complete system takeover, or deployment of additional malware. The vulnerability affects all versions of Tumbleweed SecureTransport Server prior to 4.6.1 Hotfix 20, making it particularly concerning for organizations that have not applied the necessary security patches. The nature of ActiveX controls and their integration with web browsers makes this a particularly dangerous flaw in environments where users might browse untrusted websites or receive malicious email attachments containing malicious ActiveX content.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided hotfix 20 for Tumbleweed SecureTransport Server 4.6.1, disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, and implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls to filter out malformed requests. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in ActiveX components, as the lack of proper parameter validation in the FileTransfer method directly enabled the buffer overflow condition. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual file transfer patterns and malformed requests targeting the affected ActiveX interface. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other ActiveX controls that may be susceptible to similar buffer overflow conditions and ensure that all ActiveX components follow secure coding practices that prevent stack-based buffer overflows through proper input validation and memory management techniques.