CVE-2009-3737 in Siebel Option Pack Ie Activex Control
Summary
by MITRE
The Oracle Siebel Option Pack for IE ActiveX control does not properly initialize memory that is used by the NewBusObj method, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted HTML document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3737 resides within the Oracle Siebel Option Pack for Internet Explorer ActiveX control, specifically manifesting in the improper memory initialization behavior of the NewBusObj method. This flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that occurs when the ActiveX control fails to adequately allocate or initialize memory structures before processing user-supplied data. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of insecure coding practices and the inherent risks associated with ActiveX controls running within web browsers, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited by remote threat actors. The issue fundamentally stems from the control's inability to properly validate or sanitize memory allocation parameters, particularly when handling complex business object operations through the NewBusObj method.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent weaknesses in memory management within the ActiveX control's implementation. When a malicious HTML document containing crafted payload data is processed by Internet Explorer, the NewBusObj method attempts to initialize memory structures without proper bounds checking or validation. This allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical execution pointers or return addresses, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the targeted user. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the browser context, meaning successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage. The attack vector is classified as remote code execution through web-based delivery mechanisms, aligning with common threat actor methodologies for initial access and privilege escalation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations utilizing Oracle Siebel applications in enterprise environments where Internet Explorer is still deployed. The exploitability of this flaw means that attackers can gain unauthorized access to sensitive business data, potentially leading to financial fraud, intellectual property theft, or system compromise. The vulnerability affects organizations that have not upgraded from legacy Siebel implementations or those that continue to support older browser versions. Security professionals must consider the broader implications for enterprise security posture, as this vulnerability can serve as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks. The risk is amplified in environments where users have administrative privileges or where the Siebel application is integrated with other critical systems, potentially enabling lateral movement throughout the network infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in Internet Explorer or implementing strict browser security policies that restrict ActiveX functionality. The recommended approach involves deploying application whitelisting controls and ensuring that all systems are updated with the latest security patches from Oracle. Network-based protections should include implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious ActiveX content. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices in software development, aligning with CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving exploitation of remote services and privilege escalation, specifically leveraging the initial access vector through web-based delivery mechanisms. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in legacy systems, while comprehensive patch management programs should be implemented to address known vulnerabilities in enterprise applications.