Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a stack-based buffer overflow in the GetStatus() method of the APWebGrb.ocx ActiveX control in activePDF WebGrabber version 3.8.2.0. When an attacker passes an excessively long string to this method, it causes a buffer overflow that can allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The ActiveX control is not marked safe for scripting, so exploitation requires crafted HTML content viewed in Internet Explorer under permissive security settings. [1, 3]

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Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability can allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on your system with the privileges of the vulnerable process. This could lead to unauthorized control over the affected machine, potentially allowing the attacker to install malware, steal data, or disrupt system operations. Exploitation requires the user to visit a maliciously crafted webpage using Internet Explorer with permissive security settings. [1, 3]

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Detection Guidance

Detection can involve identifying the presence of the vulnerable ActiveX control APWebGrb.ocx version 3.8.2.0 on Windows systems, especially those running Internet Explorer 6.0 SP0-SP2 or IE 7. Since the exploit involves crafted HTML/JavaScript triggering the GetStatus() method, monitoring for suspicious HTML files or scripts attempting to instantiate this ActiveX control may help. There are no specific commands provided in the resources, but using tools to scan for the presence of APWebGrb.ocx version 3.8.2.0 on systems or monitoring network traffic for malicious HTML files targeting this control could be effective. Additionally, using Metasploit's module (Resource 1) can help test if a system is vulnerable by attempting the exploit in a controlled environment. [1, 3]

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediate mitigation steps include disabling or restricting the use of the vulnerable ActiveX control APWebGrb.ocx version 3.8.2.0, especially in Internet Explorer under permissive security settings. Since the control is not marked safe for scripting, tightening IE security settings to prevent execution of unsafe ActiveX controls can reduce risk. Updating or upgrading to a newer, patched version of activePDF WebGrabber (beyond version 3.8.2.0) is recommended. If upgrading is not immediately possible, restricting or blocking the loading of the vulnerable ActiveX control via group policies or IE security zones can help. Monitoring and blocking malicious HTML content that attempts to exploit this vulnerability is also advised. [1, 2, 3]

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