CVE-2008-2693 in Barcode SDK
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the BITIFF.BITiffCtrl.1 ActiveX control in BITiff.ocx 10.9.3.0 in Black Ice Barcode SDK 5.01 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long first argument to the SetByteOrder method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2693 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the BITIFF.BITiffCtrl.1 ActiveX control component of Black Ice Barcode SDK version 5.01. This particular vulnerability exists in the BITiff.ocx library version 10.9.3.0 and specifically affects the SetByteOrder method when processing user-supplied input. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the ActiveX control's implementation, creating a scenario where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. Such buffer overflow conditions are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, typically resulting in complete system compromise when the vulnerable control is loaded in a web browser context.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the first argument passed to the SetByteOrder method, where an attacker can provide a specially crafted string that exceeds the allocated buffer size. This overflow allows an attacker to overwrite return addresses and other critical stack data, enabling code execution control. The vulnerability is classified as a stack-based buffer overflow under CWE-121, which specifically addresses buffer overflow conditions where data is written beyond the bounds of a stack-allocated buffer. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in ActiveX controls because these components are designed to run with elevated privileges in web browsers, making them attractive targets for remote exploitation. The attack vector is remote, as the vulnerability can be triggered through web content that loads the vulnerable ActiveX control, making it possible for attackers to deliver malicious payloads via web pages without requiring local system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. When exploited successfully, attackers can gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to data theft, system infiltration, and lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability affects systems running Windows operating systems where the Black Ice Barcode SDK is installed, particularly those that automatically load ActiveX controls from web pages. This makes the attack surface quite broad, as many corporate and personal systems would be vulnerable if they have the affected SDK installed. The vulnerability also demonstrates the broader security implications of ActiveX controls, which have been widely criticized for their security weaknesses and have been largely deprecated in modern browser environments due to such risks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate remediation through software updates from Black Ice, as well as administrative controls to prevent execution of vulnerable ActiveX components. Organizations should implement browser security policies that disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted sites only. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in software development practices, as outlined in various security frameworks including those recommended by the Open Web Application Security Project. Security professionals should also consider implementing network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems and web application firewalls to detect and block exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be performed to identify other potentially vulnerable ActiveX controls or legacy components that may pose similar risks, as this vulnerability represents a common pattern in older software components that lack modern security hardening practices. The vulnerability underscores the need for comprehensive security testing and the importance of maintaining up-to-date software to prevent exploitation of known weaknesses in legacy systems.