CVE-2008-6959 in Chilkat Socket
Summary
by MITRE
Insecure method vulnerability in the Chilkat Socket ActiveX control (ChilkatSocket.ChilkatSocket.1) in ChilkatSocket.dll 2.3.1.1 allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files via the SaveLastError method. NOTE: this might be related to CVE-2008-1647.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6959 represents a critical insecure method flaw within the Chilkat Socket ActiveX control, specifically affecting version 2.3.1.1 of the ChilkatSocket.dll component. This vulnerability resides in the ChilkatSocket.ChilkatSocket.1 ActiveX control and exposes a significant security weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary file overwrite operations. The flaw manifests through the SaveLastError method, which lacks proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the control's behavior and potentially compromise system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation within the SaveLastError method of the ActiveX control. When the method processes input parameters, it fails to properly validate the file paths or destinations specified by external callers, allowing attackers to supply malicious file paths that can overwrite existing files on the target system. This represents a classic example of insecure direct object reference vulnerability where the control directly uses user-supplied input without proper sanitization or access control checks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various attack vectors including web-based exploitation when the ActiveX control is loaded in Internet Explorer or other browsers that support ActiveX components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, as it can be leveraged to execute more sophisticated attacks within the compromised environment. Attackers can potentially overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even executable components that could lead to privilege escalation or system compromise. This vulnerability particularly affects Windows systems that have the Chilkat Socket ActiveX control installed, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are enabled and trusted. The attack surface is widened when the vulnerable control is used in web applications, as it can be triggered through malicious web pages without requiring any special privileges from the end user.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6959 should focus on immediate removal or disabling of the vulnerable Chilkat Socket ActiveX control from affected systems. Organizations should implement strict ActiveX control policies that prevent automatic execution of untrusted ActiveX components and ensure that only trusted and properly signed controls are allowed to run in browser environments. Network-level controls such as firewall rules and web application firewalls should be configured to block access to known vulnerable ActiveX components. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate other potential insecure method vulnerabilities within ActiveX controls and similar legacy components. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1195 for the use of ActiveX controls in exploitation. The recommended remediation includes upgrading to patched versions of the Chilkat Socket library or implementing strict browser security policies that disable ActiveX controls entirely.