CVE-2008-5231 in iPrint
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the ExecuteRequest method in the Novell iPrint ActiveX control in ienipp.ocx in Novell iPrint Client 5.06 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long target-frame option value, a different vulnerability than CVE-2008-2431.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5231 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Novell iPrint ActiveX control component. This security weakness exists specifically within the ExecuteRequest method of the ienipp.ocx file, which is part of the Novell iPrint Client version 5.06 and earlier releases. The vulnerability manifests when the ActiveX control processes a target-frame option value that exceeds the allocated buffer space, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from improper input validation within the ExecuteRequest method, where the application fails to adequately check the length of the target-frame option parameter before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow vulnerability occurs because the control does not perform bounds checking on user-supplied input, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The overflow can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical control data structures, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments that utilize Novell iPrint Client software, particularly in scenarios where users may encounter malicious web content or be tricked into visiting compromised websites. The remote exploitation capability means attackers can execute arbitrary code without requiring local system access, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, modify system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflow conditions where data is written beyond the bounds of a stack-allocated buffer. This flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious payloads through the compromised ActiveX control. Organizations running affected versions of Novell iPrint Client should immediately implement mitigation strategies including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, applying vendor patches, and implementing network-based controls to prevent exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5231 should prioritize immediate patching of the Novell iPrint Client software to version 5.07 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Network administrators should also consider implementing browser security policies that disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted sites only. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for suspicious ActiveX control usage and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected software versions and ensure proper remediation across their entire infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing robust security controls to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in widely deployed software applications.