CVE-2008-3430 in Eyeball Messenger Sdk
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the CoVideoWindow.ocx ActiveX control 5.0.907.1 in Eyeball MessengerSDK, as used in products such as SiOL Komunikator 1.3, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a large argument supplied to the BGColor method. NOTE: this might only be a vulnerability in certain insecure configurations of Internet Explorer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3430 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the CoVideoWindow.ocx ActiveX control version 5.0.907.1, which is part of the Eyeball MessengerSDK suite. This particular ActiveX control is embedded within various instant messaging applications including SiOL Komunikator 1.3, creating a potential attack surface that remote adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. The flaw specifically manifests when the BGColor method receives an excessively large argument, triggering memory corruption that can be leveraged for malicious purposes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the CoVideoWindow.ocx control, where the BGColor method fails to properly sanitize or limit the size of incoming parameters. This deficiency allows attackers to supply buffer-sized arguments that exceed the allocated memory space, resulting in stack or heap corruption. The vulnerability is classified as a classic buffer overflow condition that aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and potentially CWE-122 for heap-based buffer overflows depending on the specific memory layout during exploitation. The attack vector requires a user to interact with a malicious webpage or document containing the vulnerable ActiveX control, making it particularly dangerous in web-based attack scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to compromise entire user sessions and potentially escalate privileges. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected user, enabling malicious actors to install malware, modify system configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The vulnerability's effectiveness is particularly concerning given that it affects ActiveX controls, which are inherently trusted components within Microsoft Internet Explorer environments, making the exploitation process more straightforward for attackers who can leverage the trust relationship between the browser and ActiveX controls. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195.001, which covers the use of ActiveX controls for privilege escalation and code execution.
The remediation approach for CVE-2008-3430 requires multiple layers of defense to address the underlying issues effectively. Organizations should implement immediate patch management strategies to update the Eyeball MessengerSDK components to versions that contain proper input validation and buffer size limitations. Browser security configurations should be reviewed to disable ActiveX controls in Internet Explorer or implement enhanced security zones that restrict ActiveX control loading from untrusted sources. Additionally, network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in legacy ActiveX controls that may not have been designed with modern security considerations in mind. Given the age of this vulnerability, organizations should consider migrating away from ActiveX-based solutions to more modern, secure communication protocols and technologies that provide better security guarantees and are less susceptible to such buffer overflow exploits.