CVE-2008-2684 in Barcode SDK
Summary
by MITRE
The BIDIB.BIDIBCtrl.1 ActiveX control in BIDIB.ocx 10.9.3.0 in Black Ice Barcode SDK 5.01 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long strings in the two arguments to the DownloadImageFileURL method, which trigger memory corruption. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2684 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the Black Ice Barcode SDK 5.01, specifically affecting the BIDIB.BIDIBCtrl.1 ActiveX control embedded in BIDIB.ocx version 10.9.3.0. This vulnerability exists in the DownloadImageFileURL method which accepts two arguments that, when supplied with excessively long strings, cause buffer overflows leading to arbitrary code execution. The ActiveX control architecture inherently presents significant security risks due to its integration with internet explorer and other web browsers, creating attack vectors that can be exploited by remote adversaries without user interaction. The flaw demonstrates a classic buffer overflow condition where input validation is insufficient, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental weakness in how the ActiveX control processes input parameters within the DownloadImageFileURL method. When attackers supply overly long strings as arguments to this method, the control fails to properly validate the input length, resulting in memory corruption that can be systematically exploited to redirect program execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices that require bounds checking on all input data. The attack surface is particularly concerning because ActiveX controls are designed to run with elevated privileges in web browser contexts, meaning successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of software security and web application safety, where client-side components become attack vectors for remote code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2684 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential full system compromise capabilities through the exploitation of ActiveX control vulnerabilities. Organizations running affected versions of Black Ice Barcode SDK are at risk of unauthorized code execution, data theft, and system infiltration without any user interaction requirements. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems simply by having users visit malicious websites or open specially crafted documents containing the vulnerable ActiveX control. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195.002 which covers the exploitation of web browsers and ActiveX controls for initial access. The memory corruption nature of the flaw also makes it particularly dangerous because it can lead to denial of service conditions, data corruption, or more sophisticated attack vectors that leverage the control's elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary recommendation involves immediate patching or removal of the vulnerable Black Ice Barcode SDK 5.01 components from affected systems, as no official patches were released for this specific vulnerability. Organizations should consider disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable ActiveX controls. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for exploitation attempts, while user education about avoiding untrusted websites becomes crucial in reducing attack surface. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly for components that operate in privileged contexts. Organizations should also consider transitioning away from ActiveX technologies to modern web standards that provide better security boundaries and reduced attack surfaces. This case exemplifies the broader security challenge posed by legacy ActiveX controls in enterprise environments where backward compatibility requirements conflict with modern security expectations.