CVE-2008-4132 in VSFlexGrid
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the VSFlexGrid.VSFlexGridL ActiveX control in ComponentOne VSFlexGrid 7.0.1.151 and 8.0.20072.239 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long first argument to the Archive 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 • 08/02/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2008-4132 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting the VSFlexGrid.VSFlexGridL ActiveX control within ComponentOne VSFlexGrid versions 7.0.1.151 and 8.0.20072.239. This flaw exists within the Archive method of the ActiveX control, which is commonly used in web applications and desktop environments for data grid functionality. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and bounds checking when processing the first argument passed to the Archive method, creating a condition where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory on the stack. Such buffer overflow conditions are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, typically resulting in complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which is a well-documented and widely exploited class of vulnerability in software applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires remote attackers to craft a specially formatted input string that exceeds the allocated buffer space for the first argument in the Archive method. When the vulnerable ActiveX control processes this malformed input, the excessive data overflows the stack buffer and corrupts adjacent memory locations, potentially overwriting return addresses and control flow information. This allows attackers to redirect execution to malicious code injected into the memory space, effectively enabling remote code execution. The attack vector is particularly concerning because ActiveX controls are commonly deployed in web environments through Internet Explorer, making this vulnerability exploitable via web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The vulnerability demonstrates the classic characteristics of a stack-based buffer overflow as described in the ATT&CK framework under technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where the overflow enables arbitrary code execution through memory corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4132 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Organizations utilizing ComponentOne VSFlexGrid controls in their applications face significant risk as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems, escalate privileges, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects both version 7.0.1.151 and 8.0.20072.239, indicating that the flaw existed across multiple releases of the software, suggesting a fundamental design issue in the input handling mechanism of the Archive method. Network security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of their attack surface analysis, particularly in environments where legacy ActiveX controls are still deployed. The lack of known provenance for the vulnerability details indicates that it may have been discovered through security research or through compromise of vulnerable systems, highlighting the importance of proactive vulnerability management and patching strategies.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, deploying application whitelisting policies, and applying vendor patches when available. The recommended approach involves removing or disabling the vulnerable VSFlexGrid ActiveX control from web applications until proper security patches are implemented. Network segmentation and monitoring can help detect exploitation attempts, while security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of visiting untrusted websites that may host malicious content. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the persistent risks associated with legacy ActiveX controls and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices. Regular security assessments should include ActiveX control inventory and vulnerability scanning to identify and remediate similar issues across the enterprise environment. Organizations should also consider migrating to modern web technologies that do not rely on potentially vulnerable ActiveX controls, thereby reducing the overall attack surface and improving security posture.