CVE-2018-5221 in Barcode Activex
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in BarCodeWiz BarCode before 6.7 ActiveX control (BarcodeWiz.DLL) allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long argument to the (1) BottomText or (2) TopText property.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5221 represents a critical security flaw within the BarCodeWiz BarCode ActiveX control version 6.6 and earlier, specifically affecting the BarcodeWiz.DLL component. This vulnerability manifests as multiple buffer overflow conditions that occur when processing excessively long string arguments passed to the BottomText and TopText properties of the ActiveX control. The flaw exists within the control's input validation mechanisms, which fail to properly sanitize or limit the length of user-supplied data before processing it within fixed-size memory buffers. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious web pages or documents that invoke the vulnerable ActiveX control with oversized arguments, thereby triggering the buffer overflow conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. These classifications indicate that the vulnerability occurs when insufficient bounds checking is performed on user-provided input data, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations within the process heap or stack. The ActiveX control's handling of string parameters through the BottomText and TopText properties creates predictable memory layout conditions where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical program variables, return addresses, or other memory structures essential for proper program execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of Internet Explorer's security model, where ActiveX controls are executed with the privileges of the currently logged-in user, potentially enabling full system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5221 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a means to bypass standard security controls and establish persistent access to affected systems. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected user, potentially enabling them to install additional malware, modify system configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website or opening a compromised document, making it suitable for drive-by download attacks. Organizations running affected versions of the BarCodeWiz BarCode control are at risk of exploitation through various attack surfaces including corporate web portals, email attachments, or malicious websites that host the vulnerable ActiveX control.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary recommendation involves updating to BarCodeWiz BarCode version 6.7 or later, which contains patches that properly validate input lengths for the BottomText and TopText properties. Security administrators should also implement browser hardening measures including disabling ActiveX controls in Internet Explorer, implementing enhanced security zones, and utilizing application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of vulnerable components. Additionally, the vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195 which describes content injection attacks, and T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, indicating that exploitation may involve multiple attack phases including initial access through web-based delivery and subsequent command execution. Network-based defenses such as intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts, while endpoint protection solutions should be updated to detect and block execution of the vulnerable DLL components.