CVE-2015-4648 in Security API ActiveX SDK
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the Ipropsapi.ipropsapiCtrl.1 ActiveX control in ipropsapivideo in Panasonic Security API (PS-API) ActiveX SDK before 8.10.18 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string to the MulticastAddr method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2015-4648 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Panasonic Security API ActiveX SDK, specifically affecting the Ipropsapi.ipropsapiCtrl.1 ActiveX control. This vulnerability exists in the ipropsapivideo component of the PS-API ActiveX SDK and impacts versions prior to 8.10.18, creating a significant security risk for systems that utilize Panasonic security products. The flaw manifests when the MulticastAddr method receives an excessively long string input, which exceeds the allocated buffer size on the stack, leading to potential memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack buffer overflow pattern where insufficient input validation allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The Ipropsapi.ipropsapiCtrl.1 ActiveX control exposes the MulticastAddr method as an interface point that accepts network address parameters for multicast streaming configurations. When an attacker provides a string longer than the predetermined buffer capacity, the excess data overflows into adjacent stack memory regions, potentially overwriting return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow to malicious code injected by the attacker, making it a severe remote code execution vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that can be exploited through web browsers or other applications that load ActiveX controls. Systems running vulnerable versions of Panasonic security software become susceptible to remote exploitation without user interaction, as the ActiveX control can be automatically loaded when visiting malicious web pages or opening compromised documents. The attack surface includes enterprise security infrastructures where Panasonic security cameras and video management systems are deployed, potentially allowing attackers to gain persistent access to critical surveillance networks. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy under the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to techniques involving remote code execution through ActiveX controls and buffer overflow exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4648 require immediate patching of affected Panasonic Security API versions to 8.10.18 or later, which includes proper input validation and buffer size enforcement within the affected ActiveX control. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate security infrastructure components, disable ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, and deploy application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of vulnerable ActiveX components. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual network traffic patterns associated with multicast streaming configurations, and regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify other potentially vulnerable ActiveX controls within the enterprise environment. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation practices as outlined in CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when a program writes data to a buffer and overflows the allocated stack space.