CVE-2013-2602 in SEQueryObject ActiveX control
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple array index errors in the MyHeritage SEQueryObject ActiveX control (SearchEngineQuery.dll) 1.0.2.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the (1) seTokensArray, or (2) seTokensValuesArray parameter to the AddTokens method; (3) seLastNameTokensArray parameter to the AddLastNameTokens method; (4) seFrameIdArray, (5) seSourceIdArray, (6) seHasBreakdownArray, (7) seIsIndexedArray, (8) seAllConcatArray, (9) seRefererURLArray, or (10) seMandatoryFieldsArray parameter to the AddMultipleSearches method; (11) seSourceIdArray, (12) seIsIndexedArray, (13) seAllConcatArray, (14) seRefererURLArray, (15) seQATestsArray, (16) seAllSourceIDsArray, (17) seAllSourceTitlesArray, (18) seMandatoryFieldsArray, or (19) seAllSourceRootURLArray parameter to the TestYourself method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2602 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the MyHeritage SEQueryObject ActiveX control version 1.0.2.0, specifically affecting the SearchEngineQuery.dll component. This flaw stems from improper input validation within multiple methods of the ActiveX control, creating multiple attack vectors that can be exploited by remote adversaries to achieve arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, which directly enables privilege escalation and system compromise through memory corruption attacks. The affected ActiveX control is commonly distributed through MyHeritage software products, making it accessible to users who may not be security-aware, thereby expanding the potential attack surface significantly.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through several distinct methods within the ActiveX control where array index validation fails to properly check bounds before accessing memory locations. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses by crafting malicious parameters for the AddTokens method, specifically targeting the seTokensArray and seTokensValuesArray parameters, or through the AddLastNameTokens method with the seLastNameTokensArray parameter. Additionally, the AddMultipleSearches method presents multiple vectors including seFrameIdArray, seSourceIdArray, seHasBreakdownArray, seIsIndexedArray, seAllConcatArray, seRefererURLArray, and seMandatoryFieldsArray parameters. The TestYourself method introduces further complexity with 9 additional array parameters that can be manipulated to trigger the same underlying buffer overflow conditions. These vulnerabilities collectively represent a sophisticated attack surface that leverages the inherent dangers of ActiveX controls in web browsers.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2602 is severe and multifaceted, as successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user. This typically translates to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms within the target environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where ActiveX controls are often enabled by default, and users may not be aware of the security implications of interacting with potentially malicious content. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability as part of broader exploitation chains, potentially using it as a foothold for lateral movement or privilege escalation within networks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target users through web-based attacks without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly concerning for organizations with distributed user bases.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through software updates from MyHeritage, as the vendor would need to provide patched versions of the SearchEngineQuery.dll component. Organizations should also implement browser security policies that disable ActiveX controls or restrict their functionality through group policies and security settings. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by configuring browser security zones to limit ActiveX control execution to trusted sites only. Additionally, network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting ActiveX controls and related attack patterns. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving exploitation of remote services and privilege escalation through code execution, while also representing a significant concern for defense in depth strategies that focus on application whitelisting and browser hardening. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious ActiveX-related network traffic to detect potential exploitation attempts.