CVE-2008-3155 in ActiveScan
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the ActiveX control (as2guiie.dll) in Panda ActiveScan before 1.02.00 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) or execute arbitrary code via a long argument to the Update method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3155 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the ActiveX control component of Panda ActiveScan software. This flaw exists specifically in the as2guiie.dll library which is part of Panda ActiveScan versions prior to 1.02.00, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited by remote attackers to compromise system integrity. The vulnerability manifests through the Update method of the ActiveX control, where an attacker can provide a maliciously crafted argument that exceeds the allocated buffer space, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the ActiveX control's Update method. When the control receives a long argument parameter, it fails to properly check the length of the input data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data structures. The stack-based nature of the vulnerability means that the overflow occurs in the program's stack memory space, making it particularly dangerous as it can directly manipulate the program's execution flow and potentially allow for arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in software development practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to cause system crashes through controlled exploitation, but more critically, they can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This means that if Panda ActiveScan is running with elevated permissions, attackers could gain complete control over the compromised system. The vulnerability affects systems where the vulnerable ActiveX control is installed and accessible, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such controls might be deployed across multiple machines. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no local access or authentication, enabling exploitation from remote locations through web browsers or other means that can trigger ActiveX controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3155 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Panda ActiveScan installations to version 1.02.00 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of systems running vulnerable ActiveX controls and consider disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies can prevent execution of unauthorized ActiveX components, while regular security assessments should verify that no legacy vulnerable components remain in use. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers exploitation of known vulnerabilities, and T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern, as the buffer overflow behavior creates detectable network traffic patterns that can be monitored for suspicious activity.