CVE-2012-5946 in SPSS SamplePower
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the c1sizer ActiveX control in C1sizer.ocx in IBM SPSS SamplePower 3.0 before FP1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long TabCaption string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5946 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the c1sizer ActiveX control component of IBM SPSS SamplePower 3.0 before Fix Pack 1. This issue resides in the C1sizer.ocx dynamic link library and specifically affects the handling of TabCaption string parameters. The buffer overflow occurs when the ActiveX control processes user-supplied input through the TabCaption property, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the ActiveX control's string handling mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The c1sizer ActiveX control fails to properly validate the length of the TabCaption string parameter, enabling attackers to provide excessively long input that exceeds the allocated buffer space. When the control attempts to process this oversized string, it overwrites adjacent memory regions including return addresses and control data structures, potentially allowing attackers to redirect execution flow to malicious code. This vulnerability specifically affects systems running IBM SPSS SamplePower 3.0 prior to the FP1 fix, making it a targeted issue for organizations that have not applied the necessary security updates.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5946 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant vector for remote code execution attacks within enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are enabled. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through web-based attacks, potentially compromising systems through malicious websites or email attachments that trigger the vulnerable ActiveX control. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that ActiveX controls are often enabled by default in Internet Explorer configurations, particularly in corporate environments where security policies may not adequately restrict ActiveX component usage. This creates a substantial risk for organizations where users may inadvertently visit malicious sites or receive compromised email attachments that trigger the buffer overflow condition.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by applying IBM's Fix Pack 1 for SPSS SamplePower 3.0 to address this vulnerability. Additionally, security teams should implement network-level protections through firewall rules and web application firewalls to block access to potentially malicious content that might trigger the vulnerable ActiveX control. System administrators should consider disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, particularly in environments where the controls are not essential for business operations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and patch management processes, as it demonstrates how legacy software components can remain vulnerable for extended periods. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190, this vulnerability represents a technique for exploiting vulnerabilities in ActiveX controls, which falls under the broader category of exploitation of web-based applications and browser components. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious ActiveX control usage patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical need for maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing comprehensive security controls to protect against known exploits that target legacy components.