CVE-2010-0805 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
The Tabular Data Control (TDC) ActiveX control in Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 SP4, 6 on Windows XP SP2 and SP3, and 6 SP1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long URL (DataURL parameter) that triggers memory corruption in the CTDCCtl::SecurityCHeckDataURL function, aka "Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0805 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Internet Explorer's Tabular Data Control ActiveX component. This issue affects specific versions of Internet Explorer including IE 5.01 SP4, IE 6 on Windows XP SP2 and SP3, and IE 6 SP1, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these older browser versions. The vulnerability resides in the CTDCCtl::SecurityCheckDataURL function which processes DataURL parameters in the TDC ActiveX control, creating a pathway for remote code execution through specially crafted malicious URLs.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously constructed URL containing an excessively long DataURL parameter is processed by the affected Internet Explorer versions. The flaw manifests as memory corruption within the SecurityCheckDataURL function, which fails to properly validate input length and structure. This improper handling of user-supplied data leads to buffer overflow conditions that can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite critical memory locations and ultimately execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and control program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass significant security implications for enterprise environments. Attackers can leverage this flaw to install malware, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. Given that many organizations continued to use IE 5.01 and IE 6 well beyond their support lifecycle, this vulnerability created substantial risk exposure across both corporate and government networks. The attack vector through DataURL parameters makes it particularly insidious as users may encounter malicious content while browsing legitimate websites, especially those that embed ActiveX controls or process external data feeds. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, "Exploitation for Client Execution," and demonstrates how legacy ActiveX components can serve as persistent attack vectors in modern threat landscapes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0805 primarily focus on immediate remediation through Microsoft security updates and long-term architectural changes. Organizations should prioritize deployment of Microsoft's security patches released in response to this vulnerability, which include updated versions of the Tabular Data Control and enhanced input validation mechanisms. Additionally, implementing browser hardening measures such as disabling ActiveX controls, restricting DataURL processing, and deploying application whitelisting policies can significantly reduce exploitation risk. Network-based defenses including web application firewalls and URL filtering systems can provide additional layers of protection against malicious DataURL delivery. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and demonstrates how legacy ActiveX components can remain persistent security risks even years after their initial release, emphasizing the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both current and historical software components.