CVE-2012-0227 in Opcsystems.net
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the VSFlex7.VSFlexGrid ActiveX control in ComponentOne FlexGrid 7.1, as used in Open Automation Software OPC Systems.NET, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long archive file name argument to the Archive method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0227 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the VSFlex7.VSFlexGrid ActiveX control version 7.1, which is part of the ComponentOne FlexGrid suite and specifically integrated into Open Automation Software OPC Systems.NET. This particular ActiveX control operates within the Windows operating system environment and is susceptible to exploitation through improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the Archive method processes a malformed archive file name argument that exceeds the allocated buffer size, creating a condition where memory corruption can occur.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the VSFlexGrid ActiveX control's handling of user-supplied data. When an attacker supplies an excessively long string as an archive file name parameter to the Archive method, the control fails to validate the input length against its internal buffer capacity. This fundamental flaw in input sanitization allows for memory overwrite conditions that can be exploited to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability specifically maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable remote code execution within the context of the affected application. Attackers can leverage this flaw to inject malicious code into the target system, particularly when the vulnerable ActiveX control is executed within web browsers or automation environments. The attack vector typically involves crafting a malicious archive file name that triggers the buffer overflow during the Archive method invocation, which can lead to system instability, application crashes, or complete system compromise. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial automation environments where OPC Systems.NET is commonly deployed, as it could potentially disrupt critical infrastructure operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0227 should encompass multiple defensive layers including immediate patching of the ComponentOne FlexGrid 7.1 control to the latest secure version that addresses the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement strict input validation mechanisms that enforce maximum length limits on all user-supplied data, particularly for file name parameters within automation systems. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce the attack surface by limiting which systems can execute potentially vulnerable ActiveX controls. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file name lengths or unusual Archive method invocations that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege and disabling unnecessary ActiveX controls in web browsers can significantly reduce the risk of successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework's defensive strategies for preventing code execution vulnerabilities.