CVE-2008-4749 in VImp X
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple insecure method vulnerabilities in the VImpX.VImpAX ActiveX control (VImpX.ocx) 4.8.8.0 in DB Software Laboratory VImp X, possibly 4.7.7, allow remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files via (1) the LogFile property and ClearLogFile method, and (2) the SaveToFile method.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The CVE-2008-4749 vulnerability represents a critical insecure method flaw within the VImpX.VImpAX ActiveX control version 4.8.8.0 distributed by DB Software Laboratory. This ActiveX component, commonly used for database operations and data manipulation within Windows environments, contains multiple method implementations that fail to properly validate user input, creating significant security risks for systems that utilize this control. The vulnerability affects not only version 4.8.8.0 but potentially extends to version 4.7.7, indicating a widespread issue within the product line that could impact numerous legacy systems.
The technical flaw manifests through three primary vulnerable methods within the ActiveX control: the LogFile property, the ClearLogFile method, and the SaveToFile method. These methods lack proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths and execute arbitrary file operations. When an attacker interacts with the LogFile property, they can specify arbitrary file paths that the control will attempt to write to or modify, bypassing normal file system permissions and security boundaries. The ClearLogFile method similarly lacks validation, enabling attackers to clear files in locations where they might not normally have write permissions, while the SaveToFile method presents the most direct threat by allowing complete file overwrites with attacker-controlled content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation, creating potential for more severe security breaches within affected systems. Attackers could leverage these insecure methods to overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even executable components, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where ActiveX controls are enabled and trusted by default, such as corporate intranets or internal applications that rely on legacy ActiveX components for functionality. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-73, which covers external control of file name or path, both of which are directly applicable to the file path manipulation capabilities exposed by this ActiveX control.
The exploitation of CVE-2008-4749 typically requires a user to visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted document that loads the vulnerable ActiveX control. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1193, which describes the use of malicious documents to deliver payloads, and T1203, which covers the exploitation of vulnerabilities in software components. The vulnerability demonstrates how ActiveX controls, when poorly implemented, can serve as entry points for attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems. Organizations running affected versions of VImp X should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader ActiveX security posture assessment, particularly in environments where ActiveX controls are still enabled and trusted by default. The lack of proper input validation in these methods creates a persistent threat that could be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise, making it a significant concern for security teams managing legacy Windows applications.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through software updates from DB Software Laboratory, though given the age of this vulnerability, such updates may no longer be available for the affected versions. Organizations should implement strict ActiveX control policies that disable or restrict the execution of untrusted ActiveX components, particularly in environments where these controls are not essential for business operations. Network-based mitigations including web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can help prevent exploitation attempts by blocking malicious content that attempts to load the vulnerable control. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems running affected versions of the VImp X software and implement proper access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.