CVE-2008-5492 in VeryDOC PDF Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the PDFVIEW.PdfviewCtrl.1 ActiveX control in pdfview.ocx 2.0.0.1 in VeryDOC PDF Viewer OCX Control allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long first argument to the OpenPDF method. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5492 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting the PDFVIEW.PdfviewCtrl.1 ActiveX control within the VeryDOC PDF Viewer OCX Control version 2.0.0.1. This flaw exists within the pdfview.ocx component and specifically targets the OpenPDF method which processes user input through its first argument parameter. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, which occurs when more data is written to a buffer located on the heap than the buffer can accommodate, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires remote attackers to craft a specially malformed input string that exceeds the allocated buffer size when passed as the first argument to the OpenPDF method. This buffer overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application. The ActiveX control architecture presents particular risks since these components typically run with elevated privileges in web browsers, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous for end-user systems. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious payloads within the context of the vulnerable application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data theft. When an attacker successfully exploits this buffer overflow, they can gain complete control over the affected system, potentially installing malware, modifying system files, or exfiltrating sensitive information. The vulnerability affects systems running the specific version of the VeryDOC PDF Viewer OCX Control, making it particularly concerning for organizations that have not updated their software components. The nature of ActiveX controls means that exploitation can occur through web-based attacks, requiring no local system access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website or opening a specially crafted document. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and browser security controls to limit exposure, while also ensuring all ActiveX components are regularly updated and patched according to vendor advisories. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in component-based software development, as well as the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all system components.