CVE-2012-0977 in LuraWave JP2 ActiveX Control
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in jp2_x.dll in LuraWave JP2 ActiveX Control 2.1.5.5 and other versions before 2.1.5.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a JPEG2000 (JP2) file with a crafted Quantization Default (QCD) marker segment.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0977 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the jp2_x.dll component of LuraWave JP2 ActiveX Control version 2.1.5.5 and earlier releases. This flaw exists in the processing of JPEG2000 file format markers, specifically targeting the Quantization Default (QCD) marker segment that defines quantization parameters for image compression. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects ActiveX controls which are commonly deployed in Microsoft Windows environments and are often automatically executed within web browsers when users visit compromised websites. The buffer overflow occurs when the ActiveX control parses malformed QCD marker segments without proper bounds checking, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the manipulation of JPEG2000 file structures to craft malicious QCD marker segments that exceed the allocated buffer space within the jp2_x.dll module. This type of stack-based buffer overflow falls under CWE-121 which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in the context of ActiveX controls because these components are designed to run with elevated privileges within browser environments, making successful exploitation equivalent to achieving code execution in the context of the user's session. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through web-based delivery methods where victims browse to compromised websites hosting malicious JP2 files, or through email attachments containing crafted images that trigger the vulnerable ActiveX control upon user interaction.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0977 extends beyond simple code execution as it represents a significant threat vector for privilege escalation and persistent malware deployment. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the same privileges as the user running the vulnerable ActiveX control, potentially enabling full system compromise if the user has administrative privileges. The attack surface is particularly broad as ActiveX controls are frequently enabled in corporate environments and are often automatically executed when users visit websites containing embedded JP2 images. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers execution through scripting languages and components, specifically targeting ActiveX controls as attack vectors. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to various malicious activities including data exfiltration, establishment of backdoors, or deployment of additional malware payloads that can persist across system reboots.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0977 primarily focus on disabling or removing the vulnerable ActiveX control from affected systems, as the most effective defense against this particular vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict browser security policies that disable ActiveX controls or configure them to run only in trusted zones where the risk of exploitation can be minimized. The recommended remediation involves updating to LuraWave JP2 ActiveX Control version 2.1.5.11 or later, which contains patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions in the QCD marker segment processing. Additionally, network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can be configured to block or inspect JP2 file content to prevent the delivery of maliciously crafted images. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unsigned or untrusted ActiveX controls, and regularly audit browser configurations to ensure that potentially vulnerable components are not enabled in production environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls and highlights the risks associated with legacy ActiveX technologies that continue to be deployed in enterprise environments despite known security weaknesses.