CVE-2014-0895 in SPSS SamplePower
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the vsflex8l ActiveX control in IBM SPSS SamplePower 3.0.1 before FP1 3.0.1-IM-S3SAMPC-WIN32-FP001-IF02 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted ComboList property value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0895 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the vsflex8l ActiveX control component of IBM SPSS SamplePower 3.0.1 prior to the FP1 patch release. This vulnerability exists within the ComboList property handling mechanism of the ActiveX control, which is commonly used for creating interactive user interfaces in Windows applications. The buffer overflow occurs when the application processes user-supplied input through the ComboList property without adequate bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on the target system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vsflex8l ActiveX control's failure to validate the length of the ComboList property value creates a scenario where malicious input can overwrite stack memory, potentially corrupting the program's execution flow. Attackers can craft specifically formatted ComboList property values that exceed the allocated buffer space, causing the program to jump to attacker-controlled code locations. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring local system access, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to install malware, modify system files, create persistent backdoors, and escalate privileges to administrator levels. The vulnerability affects Windows systems running IBM SPSS SamplePower 3.0.1 before the FP1 patch, making it relevant to organizations using legacy statistical analysis software in enterprise environments. The attack surface is broad since ActiveX controls are frequently used in web applications and can be triggered through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web pages that embed the vulnerable control.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of IBM's official patch release that addresses this vulnerability. The mitigation strategy must include comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Network administrators should implement security controls such as ActiveX filtering, browser security settings, and application whitelisting to prevent execution of vulnerable components. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of IBM SPSS SamplePower 3.0.1 installations and ensure proper patch deployment across all affected systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in software development, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution through vulnerable components.
This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the persistent risks associated with legacy software components and ActiveX controls in enterprise environments. The attack pattern follows common exploitation methodologies where buffer overflow vulnerabilities in older software versions are frequently targeted by threat actors seeking to leverage known weaknesses. Organizations should implement robust software inventory management processes to identify and phase out legacy applications that present ongoing security risks, particularly those containing vulnerable ActiveX controls or other deprecated components that lack proper security hardening measures.