CVE-2009-0305 in BlackBerry Application Web Loader
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the Research in Motion RIM AxLoader ActiveX control in AxLoader.ocx and AxLoader.dll in BlackBerry Application Web Loader 1.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified use of the (1) load or (2) loadJad method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0305 represents a critical security flaw in the Research in Motion RIM AxLoader ActiveX control component of BlackBerry Application Web Loader version 1.0. This issue manifests as multiple stack-based buffer overflows that occur within the AxLoader.ocx and AxLoader.dll libraries, creating a significant attack surface for remote exploitation. The vulnerability specifically affects the load and loadJad methods of the ActiveX control, which are designed to handle application loading operations for BlackBerry devices through web interfaces. The buffer overflow conditions arise from insufficient input validation and boundary checking mechanisms within these methods, allowing attackers to craft malicious input that exceeds the allocated stack buffer space.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the ActiveX control's method implementations. When the load or loadJad methods process user-supplied data, they fail to adequately validate the length and content of input parameters before copying them into fixed-size stack buffers. This fundamental flaw enables attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and allowing arbitrary code execution. The stack-based nature of these overflows means that attackers can manipulate return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data to redirect program execution to malicious payloads. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of web browsers that have ActiveX support enabled, making it accessible through standard web browsing activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway for complete system compromise when exploited in the context of targeted attacks. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to systems, data exfiltration, and the installation of persistent backdoors or malware. The vulnerability affects users who interact with BlackBerry Application Web Loader interfaces, particularly in enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are enabled for device management purposes. Given that this vulnerability existed in a component designed for application deployment and management, it could enable attackers to gain elevated privileges and access sensitive corporate data. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments where ActiveX controls are enabled by default.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to established frameworks such as CWE-121, which categorizes stack-based buffer overflows as a fundamental memory safety issue, and ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through ActiveX components. The vulnerability aligns with multiple attack patterns in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those involving exploitation of ActiveX controls and remote code execution through web-based interfaces. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, applying available patches from Research in Motion, and restricting access to BlackBerry Application Web Loader interfaces through network segmentation. Additionally, security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous behavior in ActiveX control usage patterns and unusual network connections from systems that may have been compromised through this vulnerability. The remediation strategy should also include comprehensive security awareness training for administrators who might inadvertently enable ActiveX controls in environments where they are not required for legitimate business operations.