CVE-2012-4250 in NET-i viewer
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the RequestScreenOptimization function in the XProcessControl.ocx ActiveX control in msls31.dll in Samsung NET-i viewer 1.37 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string in the first argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4250 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Samsung NET-i viewer 1.37 ActiveX control component. This vulnerability resides in the RequestScreenOptimization function of the XProcessControl.ocx ActiveX control, which is part of the msls31.dll library. The flaw occurs when the control processes input data through its first argument, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can manipulate the stack memory layout. The vulnerability specifically affects systems running the Samsung NET-i viewer software version 1.37 and potentially earlier versions that utilize the same vulnerable ActiveX control component.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation within the ActiveX control's RequestScreenOptimization function. When processing user-supplied data through the first parameter, the function fails to properly bounds-check the input length against the allocated stack buffer size. This allows attackers to overflow the predetermined buffer space and overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of a browser environment where ActiveX controls are executed, making exploitation possible through web-based attack vectors. According to CWE standards, this corresponds to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to the underlying system through remote code execution capabilities. Successful exploitation enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Samsung NET-i viewer may be deployed for network monitoring or industrial control purposes, as it could allow unauthorized access to critical infrastructure systems. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware payloads. The attack surface is widened by the fact that ActiveX controls are often automatically executed in Internet Explorer environments, making user interaction unnecessary for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4250 should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates from Samsung, as the vendor would have likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement browser security controls including disabling ActiveX controls or restricting their execution to trusted sites only. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit the potential attack surface by preventing unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable software. Security teams should also deploy intrusion detection systems capable of identifying exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern. The implementation of exploit prevention measures such as DEP (Data Execution Prevention) and ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) can significantly reduce the effectiveness of exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for execution via ActiveX controls and T1203 for exploitation of vulnerable software components, making comprehensive monitoring and response procedures essential for effective defense. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in legacy software components that may be running in enterprise environments.