CVE-2008-6442 in DLoader
Summary
by MITRE
Insecure method vulnerability in Sina Inc. DLoader Class ActiveX Control allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files via a URL in the first parameter to the DonwloadAndInstall method. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6442 represents a critical insecure method flaw within the Sina Inc. DLoader Class ActiveX Control, which operates as a component in Microsoft Windows environments. This particular ActiveX control was designed to facilitate software downloading and installation processes but contained a fundamental security weakness that could be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability specifically resides in the DownloadAndInstall method where the first parameter accepts a URL input without proper validation or sanitization mechanisms. This design flaw creates a dangerous attack surface that allows malicious actors to manipulate the file installation process through carefully crafted URL inputs.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the DonwloadAndInstall method's first parameter, which accepts a URL string that determines the source of the file to be downloaded and installed on the target system. When an attacker provides a malicious URL in this parameter, the ActiveX control processes the request without adequate verification of the destination path or file handling procedures. This allows the control to overwrite arbitrary files on the victim's system, potentially leading to the installation of malicious software or the modification of critical system files. The vulnerability essentially transforms a legitimate software installation mechanism into a vector for arbitrary file manipulation, bypassing normal file system access controls and permissions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems running affected versions of the Sina DLoader ActiveX control, particularly in enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are commonly deployed for software distribution and management purposes. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can potentially compromise systems without requiring local access or physical presence, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments. The ability to overwrite arbitrary files creates multiple attack vectors including privilege escalation scenarios, persistent backdoor installation, and system integrity compromise. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can be leveraged to undermine the security posture of affected organizations.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-22, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-73, which covers external control of file name or path. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195.002, which involves the use of ActiveX controls for malicious purposes. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the vulnerable ActiveX control, implementing proper input validation for URL parameters, and deploying network-based protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious URL patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify the absence of vulnerable ActiveX controls and ensure proper application whitelisting policies are in place to prevent unauthorized code execution.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of secure coding practices in ActiveX development and the need for comprehensive security testing of browser plug-ins and control components. This flaw demonstrates how seemingly benign functionality can become a security risk when proper input validation and file handling procedures are not implemented. The vulnerability also underscores the challenges of maintaining security in legacy systems where ActiveX controls continue to be deployed despite known security risks and the availability of more secure modern alternatives for software distribution and installation processes.