CVE-2009-0865 in Livex Activex Control
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the SnapShotToFile method in the GeoVision LiveX (aka LiveX_v8200) ActiveX control 8.1.2 and 8.2.0 in LIVEX_~1.OCX allows remote attackers to create or overwrite arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the argument, possibly involving the PlayX and SnapShotX methods.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The CVE-2009-0865 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the GeoVision LiveX ActiveX control version 8.1.2 and 8.2.0, specifically affecting the SnapShotToFile method in the LIVEX_~1.OCX component. This vulnerability exposes systems running the affected software to potential remote exploitation by malicious actors who can manipulate file system operations through crafted input parameters. The issue stems from insufficient input validation within the ActiveX control's file handling mechanisms, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths through directory traversal sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the .. (dot dot) sequence in the SnapShotToFile method arguments, which enables attackers to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries. When the PlayX and SnapShotX methods process these manipulated arguments, the ActiveX control fails to properly sanitize the input paths, resulting in arbitrary file creation or overwriting operations. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple file manipulation as it can potentially allow attackers to write malicious code to critical system locations, thereby enabling privilege escalation and persistent access.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to security-conscious organizations deploying GeoVision LiveX systems for video surveillance and monitoring. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to overwrite critical system files, inject malicious code into the application, or create backdoor access points within the targeted environment. The attack vector requires minimal privileges and can be executed through web-based interfaces that utilize the vulnerable ActiveX control, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such controls might be deployed without proper security hardening. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, especially when the affected software runs with elevated privileges or in environments with limited security controls.
Security mitigations for CVE-2009-0865 should focus on immediate remediation through vendor-provided patches and updates to the GeoVision LiveX software. Organizations must implement strict input validation mechanisms and sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly when dealing with file system operations. Network segmentation and the removal of unnecessary ActiveX controls from web browsers can significantly reduce the attack surface. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation ensures that even if exploitation occurs, the attacker's capabilities remain limited. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments of third-party components, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through ActiveX and T1078 for valid accounts and privileges. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious file system activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability can be leveraged for persistent threat operations within compromised environments.