CVE-2008-4664 in Player
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in QvodInsert.QvodCtrl.1 ActiveX control (QvodInsert.dll) in QVOD Player before 2.1.5 build 0053 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long URL property. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2024
The CVE-2008-4664 vulnerability represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the QvodInsert.QvodCtrl.1 ActiveX control component of QVOD Player software. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 2.1.5 build 0053 and resides in the QvodInsert.dll library that handles media streaming functionality. The flaw manifests when the ActiveX control processes a malformed URL property value, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on affected systems. The vulnerability's classification as heap-based indicates that the buffer overflow occurs within the heap memory region, making it particularly dangerous as it can corrupt memory management structures and potentially lead to unpredictable system behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the ActiveX control's URL property handling mechanism. When a maliciously crafted URL exceeding the allocated buffer size is passed to the QvodCtrl.1 control, the application fails to properly bounds-check the input data before copying it into a fixed-size heap buffer. This fundamental flaw allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program structures or injecting malicious code that executes with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can trigger the condition through web-based attacks without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous in internet-facing environments. According to CWE standards, this represents a classic buffer overflow vulnerability classified under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which falls under the broader category of memory safety issues that have historically been major sources of exploitation vectors in software applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4664 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities as it represents a significant security risk for users of QVOD Player software. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, modify system configurations, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive data without user interaction. The ActiveX control's integration within web browsers makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as users may inadvertently encounter malicious URLs while browsing the internet, especially on compromised websites or through social engineering campaigns. The attack surface is further expanded by the widespread use of QVOD Player software, which increases the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Organizations and individual users running vulnerable versions of QVOD Player face potential compromise of their systems, making this vulnerability a high-priority target for remediation efforts. The vulnerability also aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059 for command and script interpreter execution, T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, and T1190 for exploit public-facing application, as it represents a remote code execution vulnerability in a widely used media player application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4664 primarily focus on immediate software updates and security hardening measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to QVOD Player version 2.1.5 build 0053 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should also implement browser security configurations that disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted domains only. Network-level defenses including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block malicious URL patterns that may exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping software updated. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in software development, as outlined in secure coding guidelines and industry standards such as those recommended by the CERT/CC and OWASP projects. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX controls and maintain regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other installed software components.