CVE-2009-0134 in Easy Grid Control
Summary
by MITRE
Insecure method vulnerability in the EasyGrid.SGCtrl.32 ActiveX control in EasyGrid.ocx 1.0.0.1 in AAA EasyGrid ActiveX 3.51 allows remote attackers to create and overwrite arbitrary files via the (1) DoSaveFile or (2) DoSaveHtmlFile method. NOTE: vector 1 could be leveraged for code execution by creating executable files in Startup folders or by accessing files using hcp:// URLs. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2024
The CVE-2009-0134 vulnerability represents a critical insecure method flaw within the EasyGrid.SGCtrl.32 ActiveX control version 1.0.0.1 distributed as part of AAA EasyGrid ActiveX 3.51. This vulnerability resides in the ActiveX control's file manipulation capabilities, specifically through two exposed methods: DoSaveFile and DoSaveHtmlFile. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper access controls that allow remote attackers to manipulate file system operations without proper authorization. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks, and also aligns with CWE-73, which covers external control of filename or path. The attack vector leverages the ActiveX control's ability to execute file operations in arbitrary locations, creating a significant security risk for systems that have the vulnerable control installed.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the DoSaveFile and DoSaveHtmlFile methods, which permit attackers to specify arbitrary file paths and create or overwrite files anywhere within the target system's file structure. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can write malicious files to critical system locations such as startup folders, registry entries, or other sensitive directories. The security implications are particularly severe because the vulnerable control operates within the context of the user's privileges, and when executed in a browser environment, it can potentially leverage the user's permissions to execute malicious code. The attack can be extended to include code execution scenarios by placing executable files in startup folders or by creating files that are accessed through hcp:// URLs, which are Microsoft Help Center protocol handlers that can execute content from remote locations. This exploitation technique aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195.002, which covers 'Phishing for Information' and 'Malicious File Execution', and also relates to T1059.007 for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript' when the attack is delivered through web-based vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-0134 extends beyond simple file manipulation to encompass complete system compromise potential. Systems running vulnerable versions of the EasyGrid ActiveX control become susceptible to persistent malware deployment, as attackers can place malicious executables in startup locations such as the Windows Startup folder or the registry run keys. This allows for automatic execution of malicious code upon system reboot, creating a persistent threat that can evade standard security measures. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are often enabled by default or where users may have administrative privileges. The attack can be delivered through various vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or social engineering campaigns that trick users into visiting compromised web pages. The combination of path traversal capabilities with the ability to create executable files in system directories provides attackers with a reliable method for establishing backdoors, keyloggers, or other persistent malware installations. Organizations with legacy systems that still use this ActiveX control face significant risk, as the vulnerability exists in widely deployed software versions from 2009 and may not have been properly patched in many environments. The vulnerability also demonstrates the broader issue of ActiveX control security in Windows environments, where the default security model for ActiveX components has historically been insufficient to prevent such exploitation scenarios, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threats and zero-day exploitation attempts.