CVE-2015-0555 in iPOLiS Device Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the XnsSdkDeviceIpInstaller.ocx ActiveX control in Samsung iPOLiS Device Manager 1.12.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string in the first argument to the (1) ReadConfigValue or (2) WriteConfigValue function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0555 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the XnsSdkDeviceIpInstaller.ocx ActiveX control component of Samsung iPOLiS Device Manager version 1.12.2. This security weakness resides in the software's handling of user-supplied input through specifically crafted function calls that manipulate configuration values. The vulnerability affects systems running the Samsung iPOLiS Device Manager software and presents a significant risk to networked environments where ActiveX controls are enabled and trusted by end-user browsers or applications. The flaw manifests when the control processes input data through the ReadConfigValue or WriteConfigValue functions, which are designed to manage device configuration parameters within the Samsung device management ecosystem. These functions lack proper bounds checking mechanisms, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to overflow memory buffers and potentially execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the ActiveX control's function interfaces. When attackers supply excessively long strings as the first argument to either ReadConfigValue or WriteConfigValue functions, the control fails to validate the input length against predefined buffer boundaries. This absence of input sanitization creates a classic buffer overflow condition where malicious data overwrites adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. Attackers can leverage this weakness to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application, typically resulting in complete system compromise. The ActiveX control's design flaw allows for remote exploitation without requiring local access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such controls might be automatically loaded by web browsers or management applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0555 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system takeover capabilities for threat actors. Successful exploitation enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to networked Samsung devices managed through the iPOLiS platform, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, or lateral movement within corporate networks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems without physical access, making it a significant concern for organizations deploying Samsung device management solutions. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to device configurations, potential data exfiltration, and compromise of critical network infrastructure managed through the affected software. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that ActiveX controls are often automatically executed in trusted zones within corporate environments, reducing the attack vector complexity for malicious actors. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of ActiveX controls for code execution and privilege escalation within target environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0555 require immediate action from affected organizations to address the buffer overflow vulnerability in their Samsung iPOLiS Device Manager deployments. The primary recommendation involves updating to the latest version of Samsung iPOLiS Device Manager that contains patches for this specific vulnerability, as provided by Samsung's security advisories. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running the affected ActiveX control, particularly within trusted browser zones where automatic execution occurs. Browser security configurations should be adjusted to disable or restrict ActiveX control execution for untrusted websites, reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Security teams should monitor network traffic for indicators of exploitation attempts, including unusual patterns of configuration value reads or writes that might suggest malicious activity. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and disabling unnecessary ActiveX controls can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates comprehensive network monitoring and incident response preparedness to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts.