CVE-2014-0879 in Datacap Taskmaster Capture
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the Taskmaster Capture ActiveX control in IBM Datacap Taskmaster Capture 8.0.1, and 8.1 before FP2, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0879 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within IBM Datacap Taskmaster Capture software versions 8.0.1 and 8.1 prior to fix pack 2. This ActiveX control vulnerability exists in the Taskmaster Capture component that processes user input through web interfaces, creating a pathway for remote exploitation. The flaw stems from improper bounds checking during input handling within the ActiveX control's memory management routines, where insufficient validation allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. Such vulnerabilities typically arise from legacy code patterns where developers fail to implement adequate input sanitization before processing user-supplied data through vulnerable functions. The affected IBM Datacap Taskmaster Capture versions represent enterprise document processing software commonly used in financial services, government agencies, and large corporations for automated data capture and processing workflows. These systems often operate within trusted network perimeters, making the remote exploitability particularly concerning as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive business-critical infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability occurs when the Taskmaster Capture ActiveX control receives malformed input through web-based interfaces or embedded content within web pages. The stack-based nature indicates that the overflow specifically targets the program's call stack memory region, where function return addresses, local variables, and control information are stored. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specially formatted input that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing adjacent memory to be overwritten with malicious payload data. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which falls under the broader category of buffer overflow conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The exploitability characteristics suggest that the vulnerability can be triggered remotely without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are often enabled by default for functionality purposes. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description indicate that multiple attack surfaces may be vulnerable, including web page embedding, file processing, or network-based input handling mechanisms within the software's ActiveX interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially compromise entire enterprise systems that rely on IBM Datacap Taskmaster Capture for document processing workflows. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the user running the ActiveX control, typically the web server or client application process. This could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors within the enterprise network. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face significant risk as the software often processes sensitive business documents, financial records, and personal information that could be targeted by adversaries. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers could potentially compromise systems through web browsers or email attachments without requiring physical access to the network. This makes the attack surface particularly broad as the ActiveX control could be triggered through various web-based attack vectors including malicious websites, phishing campaigns, or compromised web applications that embed the vulnerable control. The risk is compounded by the fact that many enterprise networks have ActiveX controls enabled by default for legacy application compatibility reasons, creating an implicit trust model that attackers can exploit.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to IBM Datacap Taskmaster Capture versions 8.1 FP2 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow vulnerability. System administrators should also consider implementing browser security policies that disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted sites only, following the principle of least privilege. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual network traffic patterns or attempts to access vulnerable ActiveX controls. The mitigation strategy should also include comprehensive vulnerability scanning and patch management processes to ensure all instances of the vulnerable software are identified and updated. Security teams should conduct detailed forensic analysis of systems that may have been exposed to the vulnerability, particularly focusing on web server logs, browser activity, and user access records. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that prevent execution of unauthorized ActiveX controls and regularly review ActiveX control configurations to ensure only necessary components are enabled. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software security practices and highlights the risks associated with legacy ActiveX controls in modern enterprise environments, where the attack surface continues to expand through browser-based exploitation methods that align with techniques described in the attack framework.