CVE-2008-3878 in Ultra Office Control
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the Ultra.OfficeControl ActiveX control in OfficeCtrl.ocx 2.0.2008.801 in Ultra Shareware Ultra Office Control allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long strUrl, strFile, and strPostData parameters to the HttpUpload method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3878 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Ultra.OfficeControl ActiveX control component. This flaw exists in the OfficeCtrl.ocx version 2.0.2008.801 distributed by Ultra Shareware, specifically affecting the HttpUpload method implementation. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking when processing user-supplied parameters, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The affected ActiveX control is commonly deployed in Windows environments where Microsoft Office applications are used, making it a significant security concern for enterprise networks and individual users alike.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of three specific parameters within the HttpUpload method: strUrl, strFile, and strPostData. When these parameters receive input exceeding the allocated buffer space, the excessive data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and allowing an attacker to overwrite critical execution pointers. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow category, which is classified as a direct consequence of inadequate input validation and memory management practices. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through web-based interfaces, making it accessible to attackers without requiring local system access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability affects systems running Windows operating systems where the affected ActiveX control is installed, particularly those with Microsoft Office applications or other software that may utilize this component. The exploitability is enhanced by the fact that ActiveX controls are often enabled by default in Internet Explorer, creating a wide attack surface that can be exploited through various web-based delivery mechanisms including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3878 should focus on immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves patching or updating the Ultra Office Control component to a version that addresses the buffer overflow vulnerability. Organizations should also implement security policies that disable ActiveX controls in web browsers or restrict their execution to trusted zones only. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all systems helps reduce the potential attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices, aligning with ATT&CK techniques related to code injection and privilege escalation. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other ActiveX controls and legacy software components.