CVE-2012-0708 in Rational ClearQuest
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the Ole API in the CQOle ActiveX control in cqole.dll in IBM Rational ClearQuest 7.1.1 before 7.1.1.9, 7.1.2 before 7.1.2.6, and 8.0.0 before 8.0.0.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web page that leverages a RegisterSchemaRepoFromFileByDbSet function-prototype mismatch.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2025
The CVE-2012-0708 vulnerability represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in IBM Rational ClearQuest's Ole API implementation within the cqole.dll ActiveX control. This vulnerability exists in specific versions of IBM Rational ClearQuest 7.1.1, 7.1.2, and 8.0.0, affecting installations prior to the mentioned patch levels. The flaw manifests through a function-prototype mismatch in the RegisterSchemaRepoFromFileByDbSet function, which creates a condition where memory allocation does not properly account for input data size, leading to potential memory corruption.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a malicious web page that triggers the vulnerable ActiveX control. The heap-based buffer overflow arises from improper validation of input parameters passed to the RegisterSchemaRepoFromFileByDbSet function, where the control does not adequately verify the size of data being processed before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. This prototype mismatch creates a scenario where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable application.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments that utilize IBM Rational ClearQuest for requirements management and issue tracking. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can compromise systems simply by convincing users to visit malicious websites or open maliciously crafted documents containing the vulnerable ActiveX control. The vulnerability affects systems where the ClearQuest application is installed and where ActiveX controls are enabled, typically in corporate environments with Internet Explorer browsers. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially enable lateral movement within networks where ClearQuest is deployed.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches for IBM Rational ClearQuest versions 7.1.1.9, 7.1.2.6, and 8.0.0.2, which address the prototype mismatch and buffer overflow conditions. Network segmentation and browser hardening measures should be implemented to restrict ActiveX control execution, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted web content. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a significant concern under the ATT&CK framework's initial access and execution phases. Security monitoring should focus on detecting attempts to load vulnerable ActiveX controls and unusual memory access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and opening suspicious attachments that might trigger the vulnerable ActiveX control execution.