CVE-2011-2589 in UUPlayer ActiveX control
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the SendLogAction method in the UUPlayer ActiveX control 6.0.0.1 in UUSee 2010 6.11.0609.2 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2589 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the UUPlayer ActiveX control version 6.0.0.1 that is embedded in UUSee 2010 version 6.11.0609.2. This issue resides specifically within the SendLogAction method, which serves as a communication endpoint for logging activities within the media player application. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and bounds checking mechanisms that fail to properly handle excessively long argument values passed to this method, creating a potential entry point for malicious exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the ActiveX control's failure to validate the length of input parameters before processing them in memory. When a malicious attacker crafts a specially constructed argument that exceeds the allocated buffer size within the SendLogAction method, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program structures or executable code. This heap-based overflow condition is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to overwrite memory contents in a manner that can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory regions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to systems running the affected UUSee 2010 software, as it enables remote code execution capabilities without requiring local system access. Attackers can exploit this flaw through web-based attacks by embedding malicious ActiveX controls in compromised websites or by delivering malicious files that trigger the vulnerable control when opened. The attack surface expands considerably since ActiveX controls are frequently enabled in Internet Explorer environments, making the exploitation vector particularly dangerous in corporate and enterprise settings where these browsers remain prevalent. This vulnerability directly maps to techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through the compromised ActiveX control interface.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2589 should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates from UUSee vendor, as the vulnerability exists in a specific version of the ActiveX control that has likely been patched in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement browser security configurations that disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted sites only, as recommended in security best practices outlined by NIST and other cybersecurity frameworks. Additionally, network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious ActiveX control loading patterns, while regular vulnerability assessments should identify and remediate other potentially vulnerable ActiveX components within the enterprise environment. The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to minimize exposure to similar heap-based buffer overflow conditions that continue to be prevalent in legacy software applications.