CVE-2022-4983 in TBarCode
Summary
by MITRE • 11/13/2025
TEC-IT TBarCode version 11.15 contains a vulnerability in the TBarCode11.ocx ActiveX/OCX control's licensing handling (INI-file based) that can be abused to cause remote creation of files on the host filesystem. Depending on where files can be created and which filenames are allowed, this can allow attackers to write files that lead to code execution or persistence under the context of the hosting process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-4983 affects TEC-IT TBarCode version 11.15 through a flaw in the TBarCode11.ocx ActiveX/OCX control's license management system. This issue stems from improper handling of INI-file based licensing mechanisms within the ActiveX component, creating a critical security gap that enables remote file creation capabilities on the target system. The vulnerability specifically manifests in how the control processes license information stored in configuration files, allowing malicious actors to manipulate this process to generate arbitrary files on the host filesystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the ActiveX control's licensing parameters, which are typically managed through INI files that define the software's operational state and license status. When the control processes these configuration files, it fails to properly validate file paths or implement adequate access controls, enabling attackers to specify arbitrary file locations and names that can be created or modified on the target system. This flaw represents a classic case of inadequate input validation and path manipulation, where the control accepts user-supplied parameters without sufficient sanitization or authorization checks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to system security and can lead to various malicious outcomes depending on the execution context and system permissions. The remote file creation capability allows attackers to place malicious files in strategic locations within the filesystem, potentially enabling code execution through legitimate system processes or creating persistence mechanisms that maintain access to the compromised system. The impact extends beyond simple file creation as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy malicious payloads, modify system configuration files, or establish backdoor access points that operate under the privileges of the hosting process.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-73, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in file names, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-22, representing improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. Additionally, this issue maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Scripting, where attackers might leverage the created files to execute malicious code, and T1078 for Valid Accounts, as the attack could potentially exploit legitimate user accounts to maintain persistence. The attack surface is particularly concerning in environments where the ActiveX control is deployed with elevated privileges or where users have the ability to interact with potentially malicious content through web browsers or other applications that support ActiveX controls.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate removal or disabling of the vulnerable ActiveX control from affected systems, particularly in environments where it is not essential for legitimate business operations. Organizations should implement strict access controls and file system permissions to limit where files can be created, while also monitoring for unauthorized file creation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The use of application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques can help prevent the execution of malicious files created through this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough inventory checks to identify all instances of the vulnerable TBarCode version 11.15 and ensure that all systems are updated to patched versions that properly validate file paths and implement secure license management practices. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for ActiveX controls and other legacy components that may present similar security risks.