CVE-2008-5691 in FlashAX
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the Phoenician Casino FlashAX ActiveX control 1.0.0.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long argument to the SetID method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5691 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the Phoenician Casino FlashAX ActiveX control version 1.0.0.7. This flaw exists within the SetID method of the ActiveX component, which is commonly deployed in web applications and desktop environments that utilize Flash-based casino gaming interfaces. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the ActiveX control's memory management implementation, creating an exploitable condition that can be remotely triggered by malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the CWE-121 category of heap-based buffer overflows, which occurs when a program writes more data to a heap-allocated buffer than the buffer can hold. The Phoenician Casino FlashAX ActiveX control fails to properly validate the length of arguments passed to its SetID method, allowing attackers to supply excessively long input strings that overwrite adjacent memory locations in the heap. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable application, typically resulting in full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of ActiveX controls, which are often executed with elevated privileges in Internet Explorer environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway for persistent system compromise and lateral movement within network environments. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow can be leveraged to install backdoors, escalate privileges, or redirect users to malicious websites. The attack vector is particularly concerning given that ActiveX controls are frequently deployed in enterprise environments and gaming applications where users may not be security-aware. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, making it a significant threat to organizational security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5691 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary recommendation involves immediate removal or disabling of the vulnerable Phoenician Casino FlashAX ActiveX control from all affected systems, as no official patches were provided for this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict ActiveX control policies through group policies or security configurations that prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX components. Network-based mitigations include implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious ActiveX control requests. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate other potentially vulnerable ActiveX controls, with a focus on maintaining up-to-date software inventories and implementing secure coding practices that prevent similar buffer overflow conditions in custom applications. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of avoiding deprecated technologies and migrating to modern web standards that do not rely on potentially insecure ActiveX components.