CVE-2008-1898 in Works
Summary
by MITRE
A certain ActiveX control in WkImgSrv.dll 7.03.0616.0, as distributed in Microsoft Works 7 and Microsoft Office 2003 and 2007, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (browser crash) via an invalid WksPictureInterface property value, which triggers an improper function call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1898 represents a critical security flaw within the ActiveX control ecosystem of Microsoft Works and Office applications. This vulnerability resides in the WkImgSrv.dll component version 7.03.0616.0 which is distributed as part of Microsoft Works 7 and Microsoft Office 2003 and 2007 products. The flaw manifests through improper input validation within the WksPictureInterface property handling mechanism, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation that can result in arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a specially malformed WksPictureInterface property value that triggers an improper function call within the vulnerable ActiveX control. This improper function call represents a classic buffer overflow or memory corruption scenario where the control fails to properly validate input parameters before processing them. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, though it more accurately represents a heap-based vulnerability due to the nature of ActiveX control memory management. The flaw essentially allows attackers to manipulate the control's internal state through crafted input, potentially leading to code execution in the context of the user running the vulnerable application.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant threat to enterprise environments where Microsoft Office and Works products are widely deployed. The vulnerability can be exploited through web browsers when users visit malicious websites or open compromised email attachments containing specially crafted content that triggers the vulnerable ActiveX control. The attack vector primarily leverages the browser's ActiveX support mechanism, making it particularly dangerous in corporate environments where users may have elevated privileges. The potential for remote code execution means that attackers could gain complete control over affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation, or further network infiltration. Additionally, the denial of service component of this vulnerability could be used to disrupt business operations through browser crashes and application instability.
The exploitation of CVE-2008-1898 aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1190 category of Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059.1001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of a remote code execution attack that could be classified as a privilege escalation vector when successful. Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense including browser security controls, ActiveX restriction policies, and application whitelisting to mitigate this risk. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security principles. Network segmentation and user education regarding the dangers of visiting untrusted websites or opening suspicious email attachments can significantly reduce the attack surface. Microsoft released patches for this vulnerability as part of their regular security updates, and organizations should ensure all systems are properly updated to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of how legacy ActiveX controls can present ongoing security risks in modern computing environments where browser security has become increasingly sophisticated.