CVE-2008-3957 in Windows Image Acquisition Logger
Summary
by MITRE
The Microsoft Windows Image Acquisition Logger ActiveX control allows remote attackers to force the download of arbitrary files onto a client system via a URL in the first argument to the Open method, in conjunction with a full destination pathname in the first argument to the Save method. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3957 resides within the Microsoft Windows Image Acquisition Logger ActiveX control, representing a significant security flaw that enables remote code execution through malicious file downloads. This vulnerability specifically affects systems running Windows operating systems where the Image Acquisition Logger ActiveX control is installed, creating a potential attack vector for malicious actors to compromise client systems without user interaction. The flaw manifests through the improper handling of file paths and URL resolution within the ActiveX control's method implementations, particularly the Open and Save methods that govern how image files are processed and stored.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the design flaw in how the ActiveX control processes file operations through its method calls. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload that invokes the Open method with a specially crafted URL as the first argument, the control attempts to retrieve data from that remote location. Subsequently, when the Save method is called with a full destination pathname, the control stores the downloaded content to a specified local path on the victim's system. This combination of method calls allows attackers to bypass normal file download restrictions and potentially execute arbitrary code by placing malicious payloads in locations where the control has write permissions. The vulnerability operates under CWE-22 which classifies it as Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, indicating that the control fails to properly validate or sanitize file paths, enabling path traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file downloads, as it provides attackers with the capability to install malicious software on compromised systems without user consent or awareness. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website or opening a specially crafted document that triggers the vulnerable ActiveX control. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios where users are tricked into interacting with malicious content. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it operates at the system level through ActiveX controls, which often run with elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to bypass standard security restrictions. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195.002 which describes the use of malicious content delivered through ActiveX controls to gain system access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems through Microsoft security updates, as the vulnerability stems from the ActiveX control itself rather than user behavior. Organizations should implement strict ActiveX control policies that disable or restrict the execution of potentially dangerous ActiveX components, particularly those related to image acquisition and file handling. Network administrators should consider implementing web filtering solutions that block access to known malicious domains and monitor for suspicious ActiveX control usage patterns. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and opening documents from unknown sources that might trigger ActiveX controls. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining updated security configurations and implementing least privilege principles for ActiveX control execution to prevent unauthorized file system modifications. Regular security assessments should include testing for vulnerable ActiveX controls to ensure that systems remain protected against similar exploitation techniques.