CVE-2008-4771 in VatCtrl Class
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in VATDecoder.VatCtrl.1 ActiveX control in (1) 4xem VatCtrl Class (VATDecoder.dll 1.0.0.27 and 1.0.0.51), (2) D-Link MPEG4 SHM Audio Control (VAPGDecoder.dll 1.7.0.5), (3) Vivotek RTSP MPEG4 SP Control (RtspVapgDecoderNew.dll 2.0.0.39), and possibly other products, 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 • 10/18/2024
The CVE-2008-4771 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting multiple ActiveX controls used for multimedia decoding and streaming. This vulnerability specifically targets the VATDecoder.VatCtrl.1 ActiveX control which is implemented across various software products including 4xem VatCtrl Class, D-Link MPEG4 SHM Audio Control, and Vivotek RTSP MPEG4 SP Control. The flaw exists within the Url property handling mechanism of these ActiveX components, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to provide excessively long URL strings that exceed the allocated stack buffer space. The vulnerability manifests when these ActiveX controls process user-supplied URL parameters without proper bounds checking, creating a condition where malicious input can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue in software development practices. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL string that exceeds the buffer capacity, the overflow can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data structures. This memory corruption directly enables arbitrary code execution capabilities, allowing remote attackers to gain control over the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of ActiveX controls, which are commonly executed with elevated privileges in web browsers, especially in environments where users have administrative rights or where browser security settings are relaxed.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4771 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat vector for remote exploitation within corporate and enterprise environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through web-based attacks by embedding malicious ActiveX controls in compromised websites or through social engineering campaigns targeting users who visit malicious web pages. The vulnerability affects multiple vendors and products, making it a widespread concern across different multimedia streaming platforms and network security implementations. The fact that this vulnerability exists in various versions of the same control family indicates a systemic flaw in the development practices of these vendors, where similar buffer overflow conditions have been overlooked across different product iterations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through vendor-provided patches and updates, as well as network-level protection measures. Organizations should implement browser security configurations that disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted zones only. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, emphasizing the need for comprehensive endpoint protection and user awareness training. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious URL patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in ActiveX development, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected ActiveX controls and implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized ActiveX control execution.