CVE-2012-0266 in NTR ActiveX control
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the NTR ActiveX control before 2.0.4.8 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a long bstrUrl parameter to the StartModule method, (2) a long bstrParams parameter to the Check method, a long bstrUrl parameter to the (3) Download or (4) DownloadModule method during construction of a .ntr pathname, or a long bstrUrl parameter to the (5) Download or (6) DownloadModule method during construction of a URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2025
The CVE-2012-0266 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the NTR ActiveX control version 2.0.4.7 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk for systems running affected software. This vulnerability resides within the ActiveX control's implementation and affects Windows operating systems where the control is installed. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation in multiple methods of the ActiveX control, specifically targeting parameters that handle URL strings. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. The attack vector is remote, meaning malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are commonly deployed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves several distinct attack points within the NTR ActiveX control's interface. Attackers can trigger the buffer overflow by passing excessively long string parameters to various methods including StartModule, Check, Download, and DownloadModule. The bstrUrl parameter in the Download and DownloadModule methods, when constructed with overly long URL strings, creates conditions where stack memory becomes corrupted. Similarly, the bstrParams parameter in the Check method presents another exploitation vector. These buffer overflows occur during the construction of .ntr pathnames or URL structures, indicating that the vulnerability is not limited to a single method but spans multiple control functionalities. The underlying issue stems from improper bounds checking and memory management within the ActiveX control's internal implementation, where fixed-size buffers are used to store variable-length input data without adequate validation.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0266 extends beyond simple code execution, potentially enabling attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows adversaries to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable ActiveX control, which typically corresponds to the user's current session permissions. This can lead to privilege escalation scenarios where attackers might gain administrative access to systems. The vulnerability's presence in ActiveX controls makes it particularly dangerous in corporate environments where ActiveX is enabled by default or configured to run automatically. The attack surface is broad as the vulnerability affects multiple methods within the control, increasing the probability of successful exploitation. Additionally, the remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur through web browsers or other applications that invoke the vulnerable ActiveX control, potentially through malicious websites or phishing campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0266 should focus on immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary and most effective mitigation is updating to NTR ActiveX control version 2.0.4.8 or later, which contains patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement strict ActiveX control management policies, disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible and removing unnecessary ActiveX controls from systems. Network-based mitigations include implementing web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block malicious ActiveX control usage patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization to make exploitation more difficult. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow conditions and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution, making it relevant to both defensive security frameworks and compliance requirements for vulnerability management and incident response procedures.