CVE-2012-0284 in Linksys PlayerPT ActiveX control
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the SetSource method in the Cisco Linksys PlayerPT ActiveX control 1.0.0.15 in PlayerPT.ocx on the Cisco WVC200 Wireless-G PTZ Internet video camera allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long URL in the first argument (aka the sURL argument).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0284 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Cisco Linksys PlayerPT ActiveX control version 1.0.0.15. This vulnerability specifically affects the PlayerPT.ocx component deployed on Cisco WVC200 Wireless-G PTZ Internet video camera devices. The flaw resides in the SetSource method which processes input parameters without adequate bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through manipulation of the sURL argument. The ActiveX control architecture inherently introduces additional attack surface complexity as it operates within web browser environments where user input can be directly fed into vulnerable code paths.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic stack buffer overflow scenario where the SetSource method fails to validate the length of the input URL parameter before copying it into a fixed-size buffer on the stack. When a maliciously crafted URL exceeds the allocated buffer space, it overflows into adjacent stack memory locations, potentially overwriting return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue. The attack vector requires remote exploitation through web-based delivery mechanisms, typically involving phishing emails or compromised websites that embed malicious ActiveX controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution privileges, as it provides attackers with full control over the affected device's operating system. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing unauthorized users to install malware, modify device configurations, access stored video feeds, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise and home security deployments where the WVC200 cameras are used, as these devices often lack proper network segmentation and may be directly accessible from external networks. The threat landscape for such vulnerabilities aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries leverage compromised systems to execute arbitrary commands and establish persistent access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0284 should focus on immediate remediation through official Cisco security patches and firmware updates that address the buffer overflow in the PlayerPT ActiveX control. Network administrators must implement strict ActiveX control restrictions through browser security policies, disabling unnecessary ActiveX components, and employing sandboxing techniques to isolate potentially vulnerable code execution environments. Additionally, network segmentation should be enforced to prevent direct external access to video surveillance devices, while regular security audits should verify that no outdated ActiveX controls remain installed on client systems. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices including input validation, bounds checking, and the implementation of modern memory-safe programming techniques that prevent such buffer overflow conditions from occurring in the first place.