CVE-2018-10018 in Total Security
Summary
by MITRE
The GDASPAMLib.AntiSpam ActiveX control ASK\GDASpam.dll in G DATA Total Security 25.4.0.3 has a buffer overflow via a long IsBlackListed argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10018 resides within the GDASPAMLib.AntiSpam ActiveX control component of G DATA Total Security version 25.4.0.3. This particular ActiveX control is implemented through the ASKGDASpam.dll library and represents a critical security flaw that could be exploited by malicious actors to compromise systems running this specific antivirus software. The issue manifests as a buffer overflow condition that occurs when processing a specially crafted IsBlackListed argument, which is a function parameter used to determine if an email address or domain is contained within a blacklist. The buffer overflow vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the ActiveX control implementation, allowing an attacker to provide an excessively long string argument that exceeds the allocated buffer space.
This buffer overflow vulnerability presents significant operational risks as it can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the context of the vulnerable application. The attack typically involves crafting a malicious input string that exceeds the buffer boundaries allocated for the IsBlackListed parameter, which then leads to memory corruption and potentially allows for code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because ActiveX controls are designed to run with elevated privileges in web browsers, making successful exploitation capable of compromising entire systems. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious code through the compromised ActiveX control.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a serious threat to system integrity and user security within environments where G DATA Total Security is deployed. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to install malware, modify system configurations, or escalate privileges within the targeted environment. The specific nature of the buffer overflow in the ASKGDASpam.dll library suggests that the control may be invoked during email scanning or spam filtering operations, making it a prime target for exploitation during normal user activities. Organizations using this version of G DATA Total Security should consider the vulnerability as a critical threat that could be exploited through web-based attacks, particularly those involving phishing emails or malicious websites that trigger the vulnerable ActiveX control. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with the broader category of legacy software vulnerabilities that persist in enterprise environments, often due to the difficulty of updating or replacing older ActiveX components that may be deeply integrated into existing security infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through the installation of available security patches from G DATA, as the vendor would have likely released updates addressing this specific buffer overflow condition. System administrators should also consider implementing browser security restrictions that disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution in web environments, particularly in enterprise settings where users may encounter untrusted web content. Network segmentation and application whitelisting policies can further reduce the attack surface by limiting where and how the vulnerable ActiveX control can be executed. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, including unusual memory access patterns or unexpected code execution within the context of the vulnerable software. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping legacy components updated and the need for comprehensive security assessments of all software components that may be exposed to untrusted input sources.