CVE-2008-2435 in HouseCall
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the Trend Micro HouseCall ActiveX control 6.51.0.1028 and 6.6.0.1278 in Housecall_ActiveX.dll allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted notifyOnLoadNative callback function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2435 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within the Trend Micro HouseCall ActiveX control version 6.51.0.1028 and 6.6.0.1278. This issue manifests in the Housecall_ActiveX.dll component and presents a significant security risk to systems running affected versions of the Trend Micro HouseCall software. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the ActiveX control's implementation, specifically in how it handles the notifyOnLoadNative callback function.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted notifyOnLoadNative callback function that triggers a use-after-free condition when the ActiveX control processes malicious input. This flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate memory pointers that have already been freed, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable software. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this issue through web-based attacks without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may browse untrusted websites.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a substantial risk for organizations using affected Trend Micro HouseCall versions, as it can be exploited through web browsers when users visit malicious websites or open specially crafted web content. The use-after-free condition can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute malicious code, install additional malware, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability affects systems running Windows operating systems where the Trend Micro HouseCall ActiveX control is installed, potentially impacting corporate networks, web applications, and individual user machines.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses the use of freed memory conditions in software development. The attack vector follows patterns consistent with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as exploitation typically involves executing malicious code through the compromised ActiveX control. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the vulnerable ActiveX control through browser security settings, applying available patches from Trend Micro, and monitoring network traffic for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in ActiveX control development, as well as the need for regular security assessments of third-party components. Additionally, network segmentation and browser hardening measures can help reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation success in environments where patching may be delayed.