CVE-2009-0301 in FlexCell Grid Control
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple insecure method vulnerabilities in the FlexCell.Grid ActiveX control (FlexCell.ocx) in FlexCell Grid Control 5.6.9 allow remote attackers to create and overwrite arbitrary files via the (1) SaveFile and (2) ExportToXML methods.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0301 resides within the FlexCell.Grid ActiveX control version 5.6.9, specifically affecting the FlexCell.ocx component. This represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to manipulate file system operations through insecure method implementations. The vulnerability impacts systems that utilize the FlexCell Grid Control for data presentation and manipulation, particularly in web applications where ActiveX controls are deployed. The affected software operates under the assumption that user input will be properly validated and sanitized, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation.
The technical flaw manifests through two primary vulnerable methods: SaveFile and ExportToXML within the FlexCell.Grid ActiveX control. These methods lack proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file paths and filenames during execution. When an attacker invokes these methods with specially crafted parameters, the control performs file system operations without adequate authorization checks or path validation. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal or Directory Traversal attacks. The implementation fails to properly validate user-supplied paths, enabling attackers to bypass normal file access restrictions and potentially overwrite critical system files or create malicious files in unauthorized locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file creation and overwriting capabilities. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the file system in ways that could result in data corruption, information disclosure, or privilege escalation. When combined with other exploitation techniques, this vulnerability could allow attackers to establish persistent backdoors or deploy malware. The attack surface is particularly concerning in web environments where ActiveX controls are automatically executed, as users may unknowingly expose themselves to these attacks through routine web browsing activities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as attackers can leverage the compromised control to execute malicious commands.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams. The most effective immediate solution involves removing or disabling the vulnerable FlexCell.Grid ActiveX control from affected systems, particularly in web environments where it may be automatically loaded. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures for all user-supplied data, ensuring that file paths are properly validated before any file system operations are performed. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to systems running vulnerable ActiveX controls, limiting the attack surface. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies can prevent unauthorized ActiveX controls from executing on target systems. Security patches should be applied immediately upon availability from the vendor, though in this case the vulnerability affects an older version of the software that may no longer receive updates. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar insecure method implementations in other software components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing file system manipulation attacks, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework.