CVE-2008-5823 in Money
Summary
by MITRE
An ActiveX control in prtstb06.dll in Microsoft Money 2006, when used with WScript in Windows Script Host (WSH) on Windows Vista, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (access violation and application crash) via a zero value for the Startup property.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-5823 represents a critical denial of service flaw within Microsoft Money 2006's ActiveX control implementation. This issue specifically affects the prtstb06.dll component that is integrated into the Windows Script Host environment on Windows Vista operating systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the ActiveX control's Startup property handling mechanism, creating a scenario where malicious actors can trigger application instability through crafted script execution. The flaw exists at the intersection of legacy software compatibility and modern scripting environments, demonstrating how older ActiveX components can present security risks when integrated into contemporary operating system frameworks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious script attempts to set the Startup property of the prtstb06.dll ActiveX control to a zero value. This specific input triggers an access violation within the Windows Script Host execution context, causing the Microsoft Money application to crash and terminate unexpectedly. The vulnerability operates under CWE-129, which classifies it as an improper input validation issue, specifically involving insufficient validation of input data before processing. The flaw manifests as an unhandled exception in the memory management subsystem of the ActiveX control, leading to application-level memory corruption that results in immediate program termination. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1203, as it represents an application execution attack vector that leverages script-based exploitation methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability to potentially affect broader system security posture. When exploited, the denial of service condition can prevent users from accessing their financial data within Microsoft Money, creating both operational disruption and potential data accessibility issues. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Microsoft Money might be deployed for financial record keeping, as it could be used to disrupt business operations or serve as a precursor to more sophisticated attacks. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed through standard web browsing or script execution environments, making it highly exploitable in real-world scenarios. Organizations using this legacy software face increased risk of service disruption, particularly during critical financial periods when access to monetary records is essential.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate software updates and patches from Microsoft, though given the age of the affected software, such patches may not be available. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of the vulnerable ActiveX control, particularly in environments where script execution is not required for legitimate business operations. Network segmentation and browser hardening measures can help reduce exposure by limiting the attack surface through restricted ActiveX control execution. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software inventory and decommissioning legacy applications that present known security risks. Organizations should also implement monitoring for suspicious script execution patterns and consider migrating to modern financial management solutions that do not rely on deprecated ActiveX technologies. Regular security assessments should include evaluation of legacy software components to identify similar vulnerabilities that may not have been addressed through traditional patch management processes.