CVE-2009-1092 in Liveaudio Activex Control
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the LIVEAUDIO.LiveAudioCtrl.1 ActiveX control in LIVEAU~1.OCX 7.0 for GeoVision DVR systems allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by calling the GetAudioPlayingTime method with certain arguments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The CVE-2009-1092 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in the LIVEAUDIO.LiveAudioCtrl.1 ActiveX control component of GeoVision DVR systems, specifically affecting the LIVEAU~1.OCX 7.0 library. This vulnerability resides within the audio processing functionality of the system and demonstrates a classic memory management error that can be exploited to achieve remote code execution. The flaw is particularly concerning as it affects a component designed for security monitoring systems, where unauthorized access could compromise entire surveillance networks. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions, making it a well-documented memory safety issue that has been prevalent in ActiveX controls and other software components since the early days of Windows-based applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the GetAudioPlayingTime method of the LiveAudioCtrl.1 ActiveX control, where an attacker can craft specific arguments that trigger the use-after-free condition during memory deallocation. When the method processes these malformed inputs, it causes the application to free memory that is subsequently accessed again, creating a scenario where an attacker can control the execution flow of the vulnerable application. This type of vulnerability typically requires a user to visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted file that contains the ActiveX control, making it particularly dangerous in social engineering attacks. The vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers legitimate user access through exploitation of remote services, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to gain full control over systems running vulnerable GeoVision DVR software. Attackers can leverage this privilege escalation to install malware, modify surveillance footage, or even disable security features entirely, effectively neutralizing the security purpose of the DVR system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for networked surveillance environments. Organizations using these systems face significant risk of data breaches, privacy violations, and potential compromise of critical infrastructure monitoring capabilities. The vulnerability affects a wide range of GeoVision products and demonstrates the ongoing security challenges associated with legacy ActiveX controls that are often not properly maintained or updated.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1092 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as the vulnerability has been addressed through official updates from GeoVision. System administrators should disable ActiveX controls in web browsers when not explicitly required, and implement strict network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. The use of application whitelisting and enhanced browser security settings can provide additional protection layers. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable ActiveX controls and legacy software components. Regular security updates and patch management programs should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from remaining unaddressed. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining security awareness for older software components, particularly those designed for specialized industrial applications where security updates may not be prioritized.