CVE-2008-5404 in Flexcell Grid Control
Summary
by MITRE
Insecure method vulnerability in the FlexCell.Grid ActiveX control in FlexCell.ocx 5.7.0.1 in FlexCell Grid ActiveX Component allows remote attackers to create and overwrite arbitrary files via the HttpDownloadFile method. NOTE: this could be leveraged for code execution by creating executable files in Startup folders or by accessing files using hcp:// URLs. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2025
The CVE-2008-5404 vulnerability represents a critical insecure method flaw within the FlexCell.Grid ActiveX control version 5.7.0.1, specifically in the FlexCell.ocx component. This vulnerability resides in the HttpDownloadFile method which exposes an insecure file handling mechanism that can be exploited by remote attackers to manipulate the local file system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper file path handling within the ActiveX control implementation, creating a pathway for arbitrary file creation and overwriting operations that can be executed without proper authentication or authorization. The vulnerability is particularly concerning due to its potential for privilege escalation and code execution within the context of the victim's system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the insecure HttpDownloadFile method which accepts user-supplied URLs and attempts to download content to specified file paths on the local system. Attackers can manipulate the file paths to target critical system locations, including startup folders where executable files can be placed to achieve persistence. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, and CWE-73 as External Control of File Name or Path, both of which are fundamental weaknesses in file system access controls. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal file system permissions and write files to locations where they would normally be restricted, creating a significant attack surface for malicious payload delivery.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation to encompass full system compromise potential. When attackers leverage this vulnerability to create executable files in Windows startup folders such as the Startup directory or registry run keys, they can establish persistent backdoors that survive system reboots. Additionally, the vulnerability can be combined with other attack vectors to exploit the hcp:// URL protocol, which allows access to HTML Help files and can be used to execute malicious code through the Windows Help system. This multi-vector approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic and T1547.001 for Registry Run Keys for persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects systems running vulnerable versions of the FlexCell Grid ActiveX component and can be exploited through web browsers or other applications that load the ActiveX control, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are commonly deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5404 require a multi-layered approach that addresses both immediate exploitation prevention and long-term system security. Organizations should immediately disable or remove the vulnerable FlexCell.Grid ActiveX control from all systems, particularly those that do not require the functionality for legitimate business operations. Browser security settings should be configured to block ActiveX controls from untrusted sources, and users should be educated about the dangers of downloading and executing unknown ActiveX components. System administrators should implement strict file system access controls and monitor for unauthorized file creation in critical directories such as startup folders and system directories. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when dealing with file system operations in ActiveX controls. Regular security assessments should include ActiveX control inventory and vulnerability scanning to identify and remediate similar insecure method implementations. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies can prevent execution of unauthorized binaries, while network segmentation can limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for secure coding practices and the dangers of legacy ActiveX controls in modern security environments, particularly given the widespread use of these components in enterprise applications and the difficulty of completely removing them from deployed systems.