CVE-2008-4547 in Dvrstation Cms
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the PdvrAtl.PdvrOcx.1 ActiveX control (pdvratl.dll) in DVRHOST Web CMS OCX 1.0.1.25 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long second argument to the TimeSpanFormat method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4547 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting the PdvrAtl.PdvrOcx.1 ActiveX control component within DVRHOST Web CMS OCX version 1.0.1.25. This flaw exists within the pdvratl.dll library and specifically targets the TimeSpanFormat method which processes user-supplied input parameters. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the ActiveX control's implementation, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution capabilities on affected systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the second argument passed to the TimeSpanFormat method, where an attacker can supply an excessively long string value that exceeds the allocated buffer space on the heap. This buffer overflow condition allows malicious code to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The heap-based nature of the vulnerability means that the overflow affects dynamically allocated memory segments, making exploitation more complex but also more dangerous as it can lead to complete system compromise.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing DVRHOST Web CMS OCX components, particularly in environments where ActiveX controls are enabled and trusted. The remote exploit capability means that attackers can target vulnerable systems without requiring physical access or local privileges, making the attack surface much broader than local vulnerabilities. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, data theft, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects web applications that embed or utilize this ActiveX control, potentially impacting surveillance systems, network monitoring applications, and enterprise security infrastructures that rely on DVR functionality.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and align it with ATT&CK techniques such as T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, applying vendor patches if available, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in component development, emphasizing the need for secure coding practices and regular security assessments of third-party ActiveX controls used in enterprise environments.