CVE-2008-3209 in Black Ice Document Imaging SDK
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the OpenGifFile function in BiGif.dll in Black Ice Document Imaging SDK 10.95 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string argument to the GetNumberOfImagesInGifFile method in the BIImgFrm Control ActiveX control in biimgfrm.ocx. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3209 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the Black Ice Document Imaging SDK version 10.95, specifically affecting the OpenGifFile function in the BiGif.dll component. This flaw exists within the BIImgFrm Control ActiveX control found in biimgfrm.ocx, creating a remote code execution vector that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability manifests when a long string argument is passed to the GetNumberOfImagesInGifFile method, which triggers the buffer overflow condition in the heap memory management of the affected component.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management within the ActiveX control implementation. When the GetNumberOfImagesInGifFile method processes an excessively long string parameter, it fails to properly bounds-check the input before copying it into a fixed-size buffer allocated on the heap. This classic buffer overflow condition allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the program's execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the heap memory level, making it particularly dangerous as it can lead to stack corruption, memory pointer overwrites, and ultimately complete system compromise. The flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass significant security risks for systems running affected software. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application, typically resulting in full system compromise. The ActiveX control environment provides an ideal attack surface since these components are frequently enabled in web browsers and other applications, making exploitation possible through web-based attacks. Systems utilizing Black Ice Document Imaging SDK 10.95 in environments where ActiveX controls are enabled become particularly vulnerable to this attack vector, as the vulnerability can be triggered through web pages or other network-delivered content. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where document processing capabilities are commonly required.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3209 should prioritize immediate remediation through vendor-supplied patches or updates to the Black Ice Document Imaging SDK. Organizations must disable or remove the affected ActiveX control from systems where it is not essential for business operations, particularly in web-facing environments. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of systems running the vulnerable component. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual network traffic patterns or attempts to access the affected ActiveX control methods. Additionally, browser security settings should be configured to restrict ActiveX control loading or disable them entirely for untrusted websites. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in software development, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution through ActiveX components. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX controls and maintain regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other software components.