CVE-2011-1065 in PIPI Player
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the PIPIWebPlayer ActiveX control (PIWebPlayer.ocx) in PIPI Player 2.8.0.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long arguments to the (1) PlayURL or (2) PlayURLWithLocalPlayer methods.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2018
The CVE-2011-1065 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in the PIPIWebPlayer ActiveX control component of PIPI Player version 2.8.0.0. This vulnerability exists within the software's web player functionality and specifically targets two method interfaces: PlayURL and PlayURLWithLocalPlayer. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly check the length of user-supplied arguments before processing them within the control's memory stack. When an attacker provides excessively long argument strings to either of these methods, the software fails to enforce bounds checking, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental principle of stack buffer overflows where attacker-controlled data exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing a stack pointer or return address to be overwritten. In the context of ActiveX controls running within web browsers, this creates a remote code execution vector that can be triggered through malicious web pages or crafted HTML content. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because ActiveX controls execute with the privileges of the user running the browser, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary commands on the victim's system. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of unsafe string handling in legacy software components.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1065 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass significant security implications for enterprise environments that may still utilize outdated PIPI Player software. Organizations running affected systems face potential compromise through drive-by downloads, phishing campaigns, or malicious websites that embed the vulnerable ActiveX control. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in corporate networks where ActiveX controls are enabled by default. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of scripting languages for execution, as attackers can leverage the control's functionality to execute malicious payloads through web-based attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1065 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and security hardening measures. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of PIPI Player that addresses the buffer overflow conditions in the affected ActiveX control. Organizations should implement browser security policies that disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted sites only. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all systems running vulnerable versions and implement proper access controls to limit the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the persistent security risks associated with legacy ActiveX controls and underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components, particularly those with extensive browser integration capabilities.