CVE-2008-2283 in PDF417 Barcode
Summary
by MITRE
IDAutomation allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files via the argument to the (1) SaveBarCode and (2) SaveEnhWMF methods in (a) the IDAuto.BarCode.1 ActiveX control in IDAutomationLinear6.dll (aka IDAutomation Linear BarCode) 1.6.0.6, (b) the IDAuto.Datamatrix.1 ActiveX control in IDAutomationDMATRIX6.DLL (aka IDautomation Datamatrix Barcode) 1.6.0.6, (c) the IDAuto.PDF417.1 ActiveX control in IDAutomationPDF417_6.dll (aka IDautomation PDF417 Barcode) 1.6.0.6, and (d) the IDAuto.Aztec.1 ActiveX control in IDAutomationAZTEC.dll (aka IDautomation Aztec Barcode) 1.7.1.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2283 represents a critical file overwriting flaw within multiple ActiveX controls developed by IDAutomation. This vulnerability affects four distinct barcode generation components including Linear, Datamatrix, PDF417, and Aztec barcode controls, all of which are susceptible to remote exploitation through improper input validation mechanisms. The affected ActiveX controls are versions 1.6.0.6 and 1.7.1.0 respectively, with the vulnerability manifesting in the SaveBarCode and SaveEnhWMF methods that lack adequate parameter sanitization.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied arguments passed to the vulnerable methods within the ActiveX controls. When these methods receive unvalidated file path parameters, they execute without proper bounds checking or path normalization, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file locations for overwriting operations. This creates a path traversal condition where malicious input can bypass normal file access controls and overwrite files in sensitive system directories. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the ActiveX control level, which typically runs with elevated privileges when installed on Windows systems, potentially enabling attackers to overwrite system-critical files or executables.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations deploying these ActiveX controls in enterprise environments. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to overwrite files on vulnerable systems, potentially leading to privilege escalation, system compromise, or denial of service conditions. The attack surface is broad as these controls are likely installed on numerous endpoints across an organization, making the vulnerability exploitable across multiple systems. The impact extends beyond simple file overwrites, as attackers could potentially overwrite configuration files, security binaries, or even legitimate executables to establish persistent access or disrupt critical operations.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-770 Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling, as it allows for arbitrary file operations without proper resource validation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary file operations that can be leveraged for system compromise. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, removing the vulnerable components from systems, and applying proper input validation to prevent malicious file path manipulation. Additionally, network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce the attack surface, while regular security assessments should verify the absence of these vulnerable ActiveX controls in deployed environments.
This vulnerability demonstrates the persistent security challenges associated with legacy ActiveX components and highlights the importance of proper input validation and privilege separation in client-side applications. The widespread deployment of these controls across multiple organizations indicates that this vulnerability could have affected numerous systems, making it a significant concern for cybersecurity professionals tasked with maintaining secure enterprise environments.