CVE-2010-2932 in Barcode Activex Control
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in BarCodeWiz BarCode 3.29 ActiveX control (BarcodeWiz.dll) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long argument to the LoadProperties method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2932 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the BarCodeWiz BarCode 3.29 ActiveX control, specifically manifesting in the BarcodeWiz.dll component. This vulnerability resides in the LoadProperties method of the ActiveX control, which fails to properly validate input parameters before processing them. The flaw enables remote attackers to exploit the control by supplying an excessively long argument that exceeds the allocated buffer space, thereby triggering a buffer overflow condition that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the ActiveX control's LoadProperties method. When an attacker provides a malformed argument exceeding the predetermined buffer limits, the overflow occurs in the stack memory region, potentially allowing the execution of malicious code with the privileges of the affected user. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and is classified as a CWE-787, indicating an out-of-bounds write vulnerability. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no local privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a prime target for drive-by download attacks and remote exploitation campaigns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to compromised systems, escalate privileges, and potentially deploy additional malware payloads. The ActiveX control's widespread deployment in enterprise environments and web applications increases the attack surface significantly, particularly in organizations that have not implemented proper security controls or application whitelisting policies. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear weakness in the principle of least privilege and input validation, as the ActiveX control does not enforce proper parameter boundaries during method execution. This flaw can be exploited through various attack techniques including cross-site scripting scenarios, malicious web pages, or spear-phishing campaigns that leverage the ActiveX control's inherent trust model within browser environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2932 should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates from the vendor, as well as the implementation of application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of known vulnerable ActiveX controls. Organizations should disable ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible and implement strict network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of the ATT&CK framework's T1195 technique for accessing files and resources, as attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to system resources. Additionally, security professionals should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that monitor for anomalous ActiveX control behavior and establish comprehensive patch management processes to address similar vulnerabilities in other third-party components. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities underscores the necessity of maintaining current threat intelligence and applying security patches promptly to prevent successful compromise of enterprise systems.