CVE-2015-2092 in Feature Extraction
Summary
by MITRE
The AnnotationX.AnnList.1 ActiveX control in Agilent Technologies Feature Extraction allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted object parameter in the Insert function, related to "Index Out-Of-Bounds."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2018
The CVE-2015-2092 vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in the AnnotationX.AnnList.1 ActiveX control component of Agilent Technologies Feature Extraction software. This vulnerability exists within the Insert function of the ActiveX control and is specifically triggered by a crafted object parameter that leads to an index out-of-bounds condition. The flaw manifests when the control processes user-supplied data without proper bounds checking, allowing malicious actors to manipulate memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the inherent trust model of ActiveX controls within web browsers and Windows environments, where these components are often executed with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management within the AnnotationX.AnnList.1 ActiveX control. When the Insert function receives a maliciously crafted object parameter, the control fails to validate array indices or buffer boundaries before attempting to access memory locations. This index out-of-bounds condition creates an exploitable memory corruption scenario that can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite critical memory segments, potentially redirecting execution flow to malicious code. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses issues related to insufficient bounds checking, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through web-based attack vectors, exploiting the ActiveX control's integration with Internet Explorer and other browsers that support ActiveX components.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using Agilent Technologies Feature Extraction software, particularly in research and laboratory environments where such systems are commonly deployed. The remote code execution capability means that attackers can potentially gain full system compromise without requiring local access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage. The attack surface is expanded due to the widespread use of ActiveX controls in legacy enterprise environments and the trust relationships these components establish with the operating system. Security professionals should note that exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms within the target environment. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1195.002, which covers the exploitation of ActiveX controls, and T1059.001, which involves the use of Windows Command Shell for executing malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2092 should focus on immediate remediation efforts including patching the affected Agilent Technologies Feature Extraction software to the latest versions that address the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should also implement browser security restrictions that disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted sites only. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that ActiveX controls operate with minimal required permissions. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit lateral movement if exploitation occurs. Additionally, security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of visiting untrusted websites and the risks associated with ActiveX controls in enterprise environments. Regular security assessments should include ActiveX control inventory and vulnerability scanning to identify potentially vulnerable components. System monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around memory corruption events and unexpected code execution patterns.