CVE-2008-5495 in Loadprgax Control
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the GungHo LoadPrgAx ActiveX control 1.0.0.6 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Java applications via unknown vectors.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5495 resides within the GungHo LoadPrgAx ActiveX control version 1.0.0.6 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary Java applications through unspecified attack vectors. This ActiveX control, designed for Windows operating systems, presents a significant risk due to its ability to interact with Java runtime environments, creating potential entry points for malicious code execution. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways may exist for exploitation, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could be leveraged through various attack surfaces without clear defensive boundaries. The control's interaction with Java applications introduces additional complexity to the threat landscape, as it bridges the gap between Windows ActiveX technologies and Java execution environments, potentially allowing attackers to bypass traditional security controls that might protect one environment but not the other.
This vulnerability represents a classic example of insecure ActiveX control implementation, where the control fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters before executing Java applications. The flaw likely stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the ActiveX control's interface, allowing attackers to inject malicious parameters that trigger unintended Java application execution. Such vulnerabilities typically fall under CWE-74, Deserialization of Untrusted Data, when the control improperly handles serialized data or parameter inputs, and may also align with CWE-119, Improper Restriction of Operations within a Control Flow Scope, when the control fails to properly constrain the execution context of Java applications. The attack surface extends beyond simple code execution to potentially include privilege escalation scenarios, especially when the control operates with elevated privileges or when Java applications are launched with system-level permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that could lead to complete system compromise. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could potentially install malware, establish backdoors, or perform data exfiltration without requiring local system access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage containing the vulnerable ActiveX control. The implications extend to enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are often deployed for legitimate purposes, creating widespread exposure across organizations that may not fully understand the security implications of these components. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that do not maintain strict network segmentation policies. This type of vulnerability is frequently referenced in ATT&CK framework under T1195.002, for the use of ActiveX controls, and T1059.007, for the execution of Java applications, highlighting the multi-layered attack approach that such flaws enable.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5495 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling or removing the vulnerable GungHo LoadPrgAx ActiveX control from affected systems, particularly in environments where it is not essential for legitimate operations. Organizations should implement strict ActiveX control policies that limit the execution of unsigned or untrusted ActiveX components, while also ensuring that Java runtime environments are properly configured to prevent unauthorized application execution. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that specifically exclude vulnerable ActiveX controls from execution, and conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected control across the network. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions should be deployed to prevent access to malicious web content that might trigger the vulnerability. The remediation process should also include regular security updates and patches for all ActiveX controls and Java runtime environments, with particular attention to ensuring that all components are running supported versions that have addressed known vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement monitoring and alerting systems to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability may be used in targeted attacks that could go unnoticed without proper detection capabilities in place.