CVE-2012-5945 in SPSS SamplePower
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the Vsflex8l ActiveX control in IBM SPSS SamplePower 3.0 before FP1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long (1) ComboList or (2) ColComboList property value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5945 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Vsflex8l ActiveX control component of IBM SPSS SamplePower 3.0 before Fix Pack 1. This vulnerability resides in the handling of property values within the ActiveX control interface, specifically affecting the ComboList and ColComboList properties. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking mechanisms that fail to properly constrain the length of user-supplied data before processing. According to CWE-121, this vulnerability falls under the category of stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient checks allow attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. The affected IBM SPSS SamplePower application utilizes ActiveX controls for its user interface components, making it susceptible to exploitation through web-based attack vectors that leverage the control's improper memory management.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers craft malicious input strings that exceed the allocated buffer space for the ComboList or ColComboList properties. When the ActiveX control processes these oversized property values, the excessive data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program state information or executable code segments. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the vulnerable application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through web browsers that support ActiveX controls, making it exploitable via web-based attack vectors without requiring local system access. The attack chain aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications and T1059 for executing malicious code through compromised applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential persistence mechanisms and privilege escalation opportunities. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to install malware, modify system configurations, or establish backdoors within the target environment. The vulnerability affects organizations using IBM SPSS SamplePower 3.0 in environments where ActiveX controls are enabled, which typically includes corporate networks with legacy system support. Organizations relying on this statistical analysis software for research, data analysis, or business intelligence may face significant security risks if their systems remain unpatched. The vulnerability also impacts the broader security posture of organizations that allow ActiveX controls in their browser configurations, as it demonstrates the ongoing risks associated with legacy software components. The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK tactic TA0002 (execution) and TA0004 (privilege escalation) within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the threat.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5945 should prioritize immediate patching of the IBM SPSS SamplePower application to the latest available fix pack that addresses the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious property value inputs targeting ActiveX controls. Browser security configurations should be reviewed to disable ActiveX controls in web environments where they are not strictly required for business operations. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining current software inventories and implementing vulnerability management processes that can quickly identify and remediate legacy software components. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual ActiveX control behavior or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider transitioning away from legacy ActiveX-based applications to modern web technologies that provide better security boundaries and memory protection mechanisms, as recommended by industry best practices for reducing attack surface in enterprise environments.